Summary

The text reflects on the lasting impact of a parent's nurturing actions and life lessons, despite past hardships and personal shortcomings.

Abstract

The author reminisces about the thoughtful gesture of stars placed on the ceiling by a parent, which symbolized a protective and guiding presence in their life. Despite the author having to distance themselves from the parent, they acknowledge the profound influence of the parent's teachings and small acts of kindness. These acts included instilling values of independence, hard work, and resilience. The parent's sometimes harsh but well-intentioned guidance has shaped the author's adult life, from financial responsibility to personal strength. The author also touches on overcoming past traumas, including abuse, and finding comfort in the childhood memory of the ceiling stars, which has become a source of solace and healing. The narrative concludes with an appreciation for the parent's efforts, recognizing that even seemingly minor gestures can have a significant and enduring impact.

Opinions

The author values the small, thoughtful acts their parent did for them, acknowledging that these acts were not insignificant.
There is an appreciation for the parent's tough love approach, which was intended to foster independence and self-sufficiency.
The author has internalized the parent's work ethic and financial wisdom, applying these lessons in their adult life.
Despite the parent's divorce and personal challenges, the author has found stability and safety in their own life.
The author has experienced significant trauma but has found a coping mechanism in the comforting memory of the ceiling stars.
There is a sense of forgiveness and understanding towards the parent for their shortcomings and the things they failed to do.
The author emphasizes the healing power of reconnecting with cherished childhood memories, such as the stars on the ceiling.

Stars on the Ceiling

You took the time to put stars on the ceiling

For my sister and I.

Glow-in-the-dark stuck with poster putty to make our ceiling

Look like the nighttime sky. I had to run from you but

I hope you know that the little things you did for me

Weren’t so little at all. You’re the reason why

When I slipped, I didn’t fall.

You didn’t always say what you meant in the

Nicest way, but years later, it’s the essence of it that

Stays with me. You wanted me to be strong, me, myself, and I.

Work hard enough that I can pay my bills

Just as well as the next guy. I don’t waste food, got Tupperware,

I clean my plate. Remember the story of how the world got full

From a grain of rice that Krishna ate.

I make sure I go to work every workday. It’s recent that

I only work on weekdays. You were never one to

Take a sick day. Not no never ever,

We don’t miss days

There’s things you taught me even through your mistakes

Divorced at 22 but I am finally safe

I rent the place but everything is in my name

Don’t gamble but play to win is the only way I play

He did too much to me, don’t wanna talk about it

Seems like that’s fine cause you don’t wanna hear about it either

But I have childhood fears that I had once outgrown

Years of abuse turned me into a woman that I’d never known

I pay my taxes and I am scared of the dark

Slept with the light on cause I forgot about the stars

But just a little while ago, I found what I was looking for

Three triple A batteries required, a lamp of sorts

Three thousand miles away but stars up on the ceiling

Have helped me fall asleep, and sleep helps with my healing

We can’t go back and change the things you didn’t do

But know the things you did, said they were little, you

Didn’t realize how much little things can mean

Now I’m grown but I still love my stars on the ceiling