9.29

the images

On September 26 our Edna went in for what we thought would be a routine ASD closure in the Cath Lab at Primary Children’s Hospital. Unfortunately they were not able to make the repair. Three days later she had open heart surgery. The surgery was successful and we are home recovering. There are ongoing elements and will be for weeks to come, but we are well. Writing in real time is part of my recovery process.

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I run my fingers along her chest. It crests like a moon.

Ow.

She whispers rubbing the sides of her ribcage.

Everyday I write 9.29 on the tender place below the crook of my elbow. My sister’s birthday. My half birthday. The day they put that scar on her chest.

___

It is strangeness to make the unseen seen. What was once hidden now rests red and angry on her chest.

In the sacred of the night I faced her. Our knees touching I inched my face into her cheek and wept. What a relief to let the dam break.

God please.

In the middle, to her.

Please stay.

She came to me, the other

For her

To remember

In the golden warm softness of september’s end we brought her to be healed. In October’s sharp edges we make peace.

Witness for your miracles.

Join me for a discussion surrounding the images November 7 @ 10AM PST

A world without Down Syndrome would be shit. Let me show you.