To Shaya...

You've been with me,
around me,
for the last two weeks.
It is as if you have been following me.
The other day
someone tried to remember me,
but they could not
because you were not there.
You should have seen
the look on his face.
I just smiled,
because there was always a "we",
and we were always together.

I went to OLGC,
to be a booth captain,
only because the last time you were,
was quite a while ago.
I still remember
when you were hopping around
on the crutches,
checking every piece of plastic
and every sign.
And then,
you fixed them all.

Just yesterday,
I channeled you.
I imagined you
hopping around on those crutches,
but still repairing
as you went.
So I found
the plastic ties
in the magic box
given to me by Liberal Party HQ.
And you know, Shaya,
I fixed the floating plastic wrap,
I reattached it,
because I channeled you.
Every solution I found
worked so well.

Even Isaac,
who inspired me
to devise a strategy for scrutineering,
asked about you
on the official polling day.
I have not been able
to get away from you
for the last few days.
You always had my back
and you were present
even though you were not physically there.

Next Sunday,
we are honouring you,
in the way you deserve.
The consecration
is finally taking place.
It is happening
ironically
on Mother's Day,
only because of Faye and Charles,
and their plans.
But it warms me up
with happiness and gratitude
that it is happening.

It has been three years, Shaya,
but my life has been transformed.
With lots of help and positivity
I have found ways to deal with daily life
moment by moment.
And I have learned so much.
However, Shaya,
you are still here with me,
one way or another.