Photo Courtesy of Tess Anderson Photography
Even Now
by Abbie Johnson Taylor
Copyright 2022.
Ten years after his death,
I remember his soft, gentle voice,
tall physique, gray hair, sunglasses,
the blue jeans and t-shirts he wore,
his cologne’s musky scent.
I long to see him, smell him, hear him,
my husband of seven years.
The idea that he’s in a better place comforts me.
After suffering two paralyzing strokes,
he can now walk and see better than before.
Maybe someday, we’ll be together and happy forever.
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The above poem appears in the current issue of The Writer’s Grapevine, which can be downloaded here. My years of caring for my totally blind late husband, paralyzed by two strokes soon after we were married, inspired me to write it. You can click below to hear me read it.
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New! Why Grandma Doesn’t Know Me
Copyright 2021 by Abbie Johnson Taylor.
Independently published with the help of DLD Books.
Sixteen-year-old Natalie’s grandmother, suffering from dementia and confined to a wheelchair, lives in a nursing home and rarely recognizes Natalie. But one Halloween night, she tells her a shocking secret that only she and Natalie’s mother know. Natalie is the product of a one-night stand between her mother, who is a college English teacher, and another professor.
After some research, Natalie learns that people with dementia often have vivid memories of past events. Still not wanting to believe what her grandmother has told her, she finds her biological father online. The resemblance between them is undeniable. Not knowing what else to do, she shows his photo and website to her parents.
Natalie realizes she has some growing up to do. Scared and confused, she reaches out to her biological father, and they start corresponding.
Her younger sister, Sarah, senses their parents’ marital difficulties. At Thanksgiving, when she has an opportunity to see Santa Claus, she asks him to bring them together again. Can the jolly old elf grant her request?
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My Corner 