Everything I Would Have Missed If I …

With empty lungs, struggling to catch up with my heartbeat

I approached the edge of the freeway.

The sound of heavy cars rushing past invite me to step off the curb.

My grandmother grabbed my hand

and held me like she used to when she was alive.

Rocking me in her arms, whispering

“Hoy no, mija.”

I was one step away

From missing every heavenly sunrise I have seen since.

The kind that stops me during my run,

And forces me to snap a photo to remember.

I would have missed seeing the little girl in her uniform crossing the street

With her grandmother holding her hand

As she skipped joyously over the white line of the crosswalk

Protected, safe.

I would have missed catching the old man driving in front of me

Lowering his window during the horrid traffic hour

To take a picture of the sunset.

His phone camera tilting my chin to look up as well.

I would have missed out on discovering my new friend -

The lone sunflower faithfully facing the sun

Every morning at the edge of the bayou

Waiting for her love to rise.

I would have missed the feeling of

Watching a movie for the first time,

While holding hands in the dark.

I would have missed out on numerous drives to my mother’s house

While my dog jumps to the front seat and licks my face.

I would have missed out on evenings after a long day of work

When I walk in the house and see the love of my life

Break into a smile at the sight of me

Like I am the sun and he is a patient sunflower.

I would have missed out on my new morning routine

Where I walk from window to window,

Opening the curtains,

Welcoming light into my home,

Allowing it to sprinkle my face with glitter.

I almost missed it all.