My Crete - Visitor's Poem

by Heather (Thomas) Munteanu
(Reading, PA, USA)

(This is a poem dedicated to my Aunt Crete. She died August 2nd 2009 from lung cancer. She was taken quickly and without warning, she was my confidant, my best friend, my heart and soul. I miss her dearly. It's ironic, she was there to bring my first daughter into the world, and Malayah was with me, (7 months later) when we held my aunt's hand as she passed out of it.)

My Crete
You were the father that didn't leave me,
Always ready to defend me from dangers I couldn't see.
If anything would try to hurt me, you'd jump right in
Always ready, my warrior, even before the battle could begin.
My personal saving grace,
I would calm, and feel safe just looking at your face.
Not much older than I, you were my Sister as well
You rescued me time and again from my own personal Hell.
You shared with me stories of Yours and Mom's past,
Filled me in on life lessons and how it goes so fast.
Shared your healing and salvation, you guided me to the right way,
Sadly, I didn't always hear the calling; too young and naïve, I didn't always listen to what you had to say.
But you gave me a sanctuary where I could just be me
You loved my flaws and all, accepted my true beauty.
Somewhere we lost our way to each other, but God guided you back when I needed you most,
Rebuilt our friendship, we mended our hearts and drew close.
In fact we became closer than words can express
You guided me out of more than just one mess.
I felt most comfortable opening up to you
You did not judge, you listened, and were open hearted too.
I idolized your family, loved watching your love and marriage grow
I finally had the opportunity to see how God's love can make it be so much more.
I watched you raise your own children, as you had did done with me
I learned from what you said this time, my heart ready to receive.
When I found out that I was to become a mother too
Scared as all get out I picked up the phone and called you.
Shaking I told you the news that would knock everyone down
"Jesus has blessed you! I am so excited! So proud!"
Definitely not the reaction that I had expected to be
You, filled with Christ's love, chose to guide rather than punish me.
You helped ease Mom's worries, and rightly so
You brought her and I close and vanquished our woes.
You rushed to my side when Malayah came through
You, Mom, and I welcomed a beautiful baby girl
Tears of joy and accomplishment emanated from your eyes,
And that moment the world held no more lies!
As much as it hurts to let you go
Malayah and I now have our own angel, this I know.
Forever I will see signs and clues of your presence about
Especially when I see rainbows among the clouds.
Loving us from afar, showing us you're still here
You're now safe and secure, no pain, no fear.

~Heather M. Thomas~
*8.06.09*