When I think of my childhood,

I think of Saturday nights

when mom would tell us we're going to stay with you,

and I had to hold my excitement in all day

like a balloon I was afraid of popping.

And my friends didn't understand

what was so exciting

about staying at my "grandmother's house"

but you weren't my grandmother.

When I think of my childhood,

I don't just think of fairy tales,

I think of your special twist to them.

You were the fairy godmother,

the Wicked witch of the West,

Beauty and imagination

all wrapped up

inside one woman.

When I think of my childhood,

I think of East Chicago pizza,

Hawaiian punch,

that left mustaches on our faces.

I think of Barbies and Bratz Dolls,

Halloween parties,

and telling stories all night.

I think of laughing until we cried,

and all four of us telling you in the morning

that you snored,

but you'd never admit it.

When I think of my childhood,

I think of dance parties and dresses,

Tiffany perfume,

and talking about boys with you.

I think of "You'll live till you get married"

and those crazy purple contacts

you sometimes wore.

We said it made you really look like a witch, then!

When I think of my childhood,

I think of early life lessons,

"Treat others the way you want to be treated."

I think of you telling us

to always hug our mothers

and tell her thank you,

because we'd never know

when she'd leave this world.

I think of when you told us

about your first kiss.

And when we asked about grandpa,

and how you knew he's the one,

you said "when you know you just know."

and you'd smile.

When I think of my childhood,

I think of love and laughter.

Secrets and bonds

stronger than anything.

I think of when you told us,

that one day we'd become women.

With hopes,

and dreams,

and ambitions.

When I think of my childhood,

I think of what you always told us to remember,

that you never need a man to complete you.

I think of asking you about love,

and when it would come,

and you said you didn't know,

"But it will. And it'll be like magic,"

you said.

When I think of my childhood,

I think of the things you taught me

that I will teach my own daughter someday.

I think about

how I can still feel,

that you're still here with me.

Watching me as I attempt to become

even half of the woman you were.

When I think of my childhood,

I think of love.

When I think of my childhood,

I think of you.