Experiences shape our lives br in ways we don't quite realize, br As I sit next to my mother's bed br I gaze on the photographs I had. br br I filled my fantasy with flowers br in rich pink purples and sunny yellows, br paths leading to green pastures, br and pure white lilies. br br In this dream life, my mother kissed my father as he lays here, br giving my father encouraging words br to hope still for long life... br Yet, my mom can't... br br Sitting under my tree br I gazed on the redbud in bloom, br the trees in full leaf against the gray sky br Inside this magical dream setting. br br I see a lady's unspoken prayers, br answered: to have this place, this time, br this man I long to lay my eyes upon with - smelling the scent of his breath with mine, br covering his arms around me under my tree, br looking intimately with each other br as his lips draw closer in reality... br br This life I never thought br be possible when I was a little girl, br dreaming through a Sunday sermon. br And I understand life is full of answered prayers, br if I just take time to see and work for it. br Hmn...and have faith.