Koeller

I Learned   

 

Patience from Georgia, 

Shamelessness from Marsha,  

Wisdom from Grace,  

Confidence from Maddie. 

 

Patience from Allie, 

Validation from Sydney, 

Joyfulness from Madison, 

Loyalty from Mackenzie. 

 

Patience from Ollie,  

Gratitude from Greg, 

Mindfulness from Victoria, 

Honor from Tom. 

 

Patience from Rush, 

Kindness from Ryan,  

Authenticity from Matt, 

Graciousness from Celia. 

 

Generosity from Jim,  

Power from Stephen,  

Reassurance from Rachel, 

Hope from Madeline. 

 

Charity from Susan, 

Courage from David,  

Strength from Joe,  

And mercy from Eden. 

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To Care 

 

Her relationship was a steppingstone for me,  

A jumping point,  

A safe place to grow in my ability to care for people.  

 

She taught me so much.  

I have not wrapped my head around all that I learned as her caregiver,  

But our friendship is launching me forward to continue writing my story, living my life, and loving people as well as I can.  

 

Her patience was saintly,  

Her wit and cunning ways unmatched.  

Her spirit spilled out of her tiny little body that ultimately failed her.  

 

The earth was too warm for her coolness.  

She would complain about being too hot sometimes.  

She loved watching the snow fall outside of her window this past winter.  

 

Her most peace-filled moments came after I’d wash her face and leave her to sit up while watching TV.  

 

I would often catch her gazing outside,  

Longing for something her body could not provide her with anymore. 

Grace Koeller

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About the Author

Grace is a Psychology major from St. Louis, MO who loves to use writing to work through her emotions. An avid Spotify-user and spelling bee champ, Grace is currently working towards her goal of serving others in a compassionate setting. Her creative process requires a lot of trust, commitment, coffee, and blueberries. Grace does what she does for the people in her life, including those she has yet to meet.