I Remember...

I remember when I first saw you,

And I remember when they told me you were just six.

I remember when they said you were only 16 pounds.

And I remember the way they frowned.

I remember the way you reached out to me,

And I remember holding your hand in mine,

I remember how your frail, long fingers grasped mine.

And I remember praying you would survive.

I remember my sister crying, saying, “Momma, it’s not fair.”

And I remember how you watched with curiosity as my mom hugged her.

I remember when we left room, not wanting to see you suffer.

And I remember the way tears fell from your cheeks.

I remember the way you fell back into your bed, reaching out as a last thank you.

I remember thinking about you on the 22hour plane ride home.

And I remember hearing daddy come home from work early two days later.

I remember the tears in his eyes as he told us you didn’t make it.

And I remember crying.

I remember you, Andile.

And I promise not to forget.