This past week I had to say goodbye to my beloved grandmother. She fought congestive heart failure for three years and last Monday night, two months shy of her 89th birthday, she moved on to her eternal home. There are so many things I am going to miss about her - her genuine concern for others, her compassion, her sense of humor, her contagious laugh, the way she shook all over when she laughed, her cooking, her macaroni salad and peanut butter fudge, how she always asked about Graham, the birthday and holiday cards she sent every year, the things she used to say, the way she took care of my Grandpa, how she was never without her makeup, how she used to laugh about her double chin and the flab under her arms, the way she was such a peacemaker between family and friends, and how she loved to sing (she sang in the church choir for 40 years). I will forever think of her when seasoning green beans, playing a game of uno, or eating necco wafers. I feel so blessed to have had her in my life for as long as I did and I can only hope to one day be as good of a wife and mother as she was. She touched so many people during her lifetime and is such an inspiration to me.
She asked that the following poem be used at her memorial service. She was always so humble and this poem paints the perfect picture of who she was - I can hear her saying these words because this is what she would want.
Miss Me - But Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little - but not too long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me - but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone
It's all part of the Master's plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss me - but let me go.
Love you and miss you Grandma!
Opening Gifts
