Just after two am
a dry scratchy throat
woke me; then the ping.
… I forgot to silence my phone …
I checked the message.

"Mervyl had just passed away."

She was mother to us all.
… the single souls, the students,
the military boys, the transfers,
or those starting anew.
Gentle and lovingly
is her being;
… opened her heart and her home.

In her presence
you were wanted,
you were cherished.
She saw your potential; she saw your dignity.

It has been more
than 40 years now —
those wonderful times.

Tonight I ponder these vissicitudes of life
that her passing brings,
these beginnings and endings …
and the memories built in-between,
these precious opportunities cherished.

Now, … in mourning and reflection
I feel her magical grace — still with us;
I feel the loss
… the impact of this permanent shift.

This moment of parting deeply prompts me:
to grasp exceptionality in loving service;
to commit to this vision with alacrity and urgency.

Thank you, Mervyl.
You, a most choice daughter of God.