I dreamed I was in her garden,
By the pink tree, I started to cry.
With a journal in my hand,
I wrote the word, “Why?”

I was searching for her answer.
I waited impatiently for a long while.
But the only answer I found,
Was the beauty of her smile.

There was no way to understand,
Her importance, we could never replace.
The part of each that needed Abigail.
Is now an empty space.

For we were a group of thirteen.
Who has lost an important one,
She was a leader and a friend.
With a radiance sturdy as the sun.

And asking each of us.
To go on as if nothing was rearranged.
Making us feel unsteady,
Because our lives have changed.

We have grown closer as a group
We have talked and laughed and cried.
But, our thoughts are no longer like children,
Since our beloved Abby has died.

But, I know one thing is certain,
That in every cranny and nook,
I carry her memories.
Whenever I may look.

There are beautiful pictures of friends,
Of family, respect and love,
And I know the good she did on Earth
She will also do above.

Our eyes have all been opened,
By this tragic loss of a friend.
As each of us continues to ponder,
If our sadness will ever end.

But, reflecting upon Abigail.
Seeing those curls around her cherubic face.
She would have wanted us to move on.
To a peaceful and happier place.

Although there is no answer,
To the question of “why”.
Her heart would be aching,
If she would see us cry.

She would know life is a gift,
That we should embrace each new day,
If I could feel her in the garden,
I think that’s what she’d say.

Maureen M. Welch Elementary website