6 Feet

The introduction and poem below are written by guest blogger Theadore Weber, a delightful young woman and current student at North Central College in Naperville, IL.

6 feet is a measurement that sometimes seems very short and sometimes very long. Charging cords, Christmas trees, and a dog's leash are all 6 feet. But when standing above someone buried 6 feet underground, it can feel millions of miles away. 

This is often how I feel when remembering my grandmother. She passed away 4 years ago, and I miss her dearly. Even though the cemetery is two hours away from my home, I visit grave her whenever possible. My Nana was always my biggest supporter and my mentor. She loved me unconditionally. So the grief of missing her and mourning her death are never-ending. 

Do you ever have moments of uncontrollable heartache? Moments when the tears come in floods and refuse to stop? This is often what I experience as I am standing or kneeling by her headstone. But then I remember to do what she would want me to do: hold my head up, smile, and honor her by enjoying life and continuing to write down my thoughts. I will love you forever, Nana. 

6 Feet

by Theadore Weber

6 feet is such a small distance.
It's the length of a twin size mattress,
It’s the height of a Christmas tree.
The average height of a refrigerator.
6 feet isn’t so far apart, right?
6 feet is the length of 2 yard sticks glued together, tip by tip.
It's the length of a yoga mat
The height of a step ladder
Alligators, Cougars, Cows.
Couches, Floor Lamp, Half a Volkswagen Beetle.
6 feet doesn’t seem so far.
However, you could not be any farther away from me.

Lying 6 feet under the ground.