As the 3 year anniversary of my father’s death approaches, I’m in a different place. A space of love and acceptance, appreciation rather than deep loss. Grief takes time. It changes but never fully leaves you.
For some reason that I can’t ask him, my father had a little plastic Yoda on the shelf in his bathroom. It was obviously something he wanted to see every day. I took it home with me and it lives in my closet alongside my mother’s jewelry box. I wrote a poem about it.
Wisdom of Small Things
I’m a collector of small things:
A miniature Yoda from my father’s
bathroom shelf reminds me,
“Do or do not. There is no try. “Try as I might to let Dad go,
I still want him here
to guide me.My father once told me
I could only do what I could do.
I remind myself everyday
to leave my students’ problems
at school.Little Yoda,
help me lean on your wisdom.Margaret Simon, draft
Reflections on the Teche 
What an interesting item for him to keep and wise advice from your father. Your last lines tug on the heartstrings.
I deeply miss my father’s wisdom, too. Your poem is beautiful.
Your poem is a reminder that small things can evoke big memories.
You had me at Yoda. Wisdom runs deep in your poem and is personified through Yoda, continuing your connection with your father.
Margaret, I love that you’re a collector of small things. I am mesmerized by miniatures – fairy gardens, Lego sets, and shadow boxes. Those sorts of things. Your dad’s Yoda is intriguing – – such a neat thing to keep and a special place to keep it. It’s hard letting go, but you’ve found a great way to keep his voice ever present.
A loving tribute to your father. My father passed away in 2016 and I feel he is still with me.
Margaret, I love the way your dad’s wisdom comes through your interpretation of Yoda on this shelf in your closet. What a miracle that we can continue to learn and grow through simple reminders and sweet memories of our loved ones. Peace to you.