Promises to Drew
Drew, I held your hand
as you left the world behind,
and I made promises to you.
I never cry…I stopped crying long ago,
but I am crying now as I remember.
Some promises I have kept
better than others.
I like to think you would be happy
with the way your autobiography turned out.
Your brother Mitch finished your book.
Your mother and I supported his efforts
for more than a year.
The Don Quixote in a wheelchair
that Mitch drew for you in high school
is on the cover.
I know you would approve.
I promised to raise our children
as you would have wanted
them to be raised, and I did my best.
Our children are grown up now,
and the struggles of life continue.
We have cherished our memories of you.
Our children remember your wise advice
and try to follow your example…
You left some pretty big shoes for us to fill!
I have made a new promise
for our grown-up children:
I will be their mother till the day I die
and always love them as I always loved you.
I know that you would be happy
that I have found someone to grow old with,
as you wished me to do.
He is someone I know you would like.
Drew, I wish I could have done more
to keep my promises to you.
I hope you would approve
of the things I have done.
Copyright© 2020 by Cheryl Batavia
Drew’s autobiography, Wisdom from a Chair: Thirty Years of Quadriplegia, by Andrew Batavia and Mitchell Batavia is available on Amazon.
Gulf Coast Poet 
Wow. This is all full of emotions. Great post.
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Kritika, thank you for your encouragement. I have been working on this poem for 10 years. Even 17 years after my husband’s death, it was difficult to finish. He was an incredible human being who, in spite of quadriplegia, had remarkable achievements and always did a lot for others. He died at the age of 45.
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This trips with emotion, in a good way, even after 17 years. Emotion seeps through every seam and love and tenderness shout from the puddles below.
That’s a wonderful picture full of joy and happiness.
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I don’t see a way to edit my comments. That was supposed to say it drips with emotion.
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Thank you, Violet! I appreciate your thoughtful comments. That picture has always been one of my favorites, always on display on my desk at school and then in my home.
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sounds like it would have been tough on all of you … so glad that you have found a partner. Seems like a close and loving family despite the hardships, well done!
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Thank you for your comment, Kate. Ours was not an easy life, but it was a fulfilling and happy one.
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that’s what counts in the end, and sounds like the kids are doing well 🙂
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Cheryl, I’m so happy for you. I wouldn’t be surprised if Drew hand-picked him for you and sent you to Chile’s! But, I know seeing you secure and happy would be his greatest joy.
I read his book. I cried all the way through. Just hearing him talk and tell his stupid jokes, in his voice. It was such a gift. You all did an amazing job completing it for him.
Sending you love and the very best wishes in your 2021 marriage. ❤
Lisa B.(from Lincoln High)
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Thank you so much, Lisa, for your kind words. ❤ Your reading and responding is very much appreciated. Drew did tell me that if he died, he wanted me to remarry. In some ways, he and Robert are very much alike. I do think Drew would approve of Robert and be glad to see me happy after all these years.
So glad you enjoyed the book! Fifteen years later, it was still difficult to write about Drew. It took ten years of painful rewrites to finish "Promises to Drew." Now, the pain has finally receded and joyful memories remain. 🙂
I tried to contact you several times. I was sorry we lost touch. You can email me if you would like to catch up. gulfcoastpoet@gmail.com.
I hope that you are well. Please know that you always had a special place in Drew's heart. Best wishes for the New Year! ❤
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Wow, Cheryl, this is so beautiful and poignant and raw.
You words to & about about Drew are incredibly moving to me.
Yours,
David
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Thank you, David for your kind response. I am glad you found the poem relatable. ❤ Have a great day!
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