It's Tuesday

Every Tuesday I visit Grandma

in her nursing home. Tuesdays can be hard.

I would like to see my grandmother today.

I wonder if she will recognize me.

I creak the door open and see her sitting

there in her purple flowered rocking chair.

She smiles and for a second, I hope

just maybe, I will get to see my grandmother.

today. Just maybe I can be Michelle,

and not Rachel, Rita, or Sue.

Those days are okay. But, I want to be Michelle

and I would really like to see my grandmother

today. She opens her arms and squeezes me tight.

“Oh Rita, you smell so good today.” Sigh.

I pull away slowly as I understand,

I will not

get

to see my grandmother

today.