being lowered for his eternal rest.
A namesake blue bow gracing a matching store box
endearing more in the anticipation than the actual reveal;
sterling napkin rings engraved “Happy 25th Anniversary” inside.
Pink silk
headband slipped over first daughter Charlotte’s head
by obstetric
nurses bundling her in a fuzzy embroidered
pink blanket for proud parents carry home.
Tulle tied
white lace ribbon trailing stephanoitis and white rose stems, a final accent in
hand
before
walking down center aisle with Charlie waiting 
at the front
of the alter, tears in his big blue eyes.
Big chartreuse
bow on orchid corsage from date Todd Nass
for a prom
night of laughing and dancing,but with steady focus always on that boy, “Charlie ,“ I think his name is.
Satin shiny
emerald ribbon belt on flouncy pastel organdy dress
joining Mom at
a garden party where Lin wants really rather to be in her denim overalls and scruffy Maryjanes, doing seesaw at the park with her cousin Susie.
Home now with her life-worn box of precious,
lap borne repository of all these ribbons and bows
that bind the major parts of Linnea Stroud.
