My Tammy

A year and four days my senior
We did everything together 
Hours spent playing and laughing
Siblings who could face whatever

We shared a love for music 
In ways wise beyond her time
I learned about what is important 
From good old southern rock rhymes 

In 7th grade she introduced me to cannabis 
My first experience smoking weed
Probably experimented 10 times
Of being caught I took heed

I lived in legitimate fear of my father
He demanded we do as told
Tammy never seemed to care
Her stubbornness a sight to behold

At 17 diagnosed with Leukemia 
Yet still never showed any fear
Though many friends and family wept
I never saw Tam shed a tear

At one point thought to be in remission 
Bone marrow I was to donate
Before the transplant could be effected 
A setback determined it too late

We buried Tammy on her 19th birthday
I felt guilt but was glad she passed
I had watched her and my loved ones suffer
She was finally at rest at last

The biggest regret I have in missing her
My own family with her I could share
She used to sing Simple Man to me
From Tammy I learned to care

JBentley-24May2023