As I think of all the many years she had with us I smile. I smile because I know in my heart she would not want us to cry. She would say "Are those tears for me?" "Of course they are Grandma!" we would say. "Well don't cry for me! I'm happy! I'm going to see the Lord!" And she would clap her hands and laugh. "You got to be ready for the Lord when he calls your name you know.........." Well he called her name and she answered. With joy in her heart she took his hand and was welcomed into heaven by all who have gone before her. She will be missed by us all. But knowing there is another angel in heaven to shine down upon us is comforting. I for one know I will see her again someday.
She was a lot of things to a lot of people. To me she was my navigator and I was her "keeper of the stories". I would "kidnap" her and take on country rides to visit her sisters and brother or just for a ride. She loved riding in the Mater Car. Of course I would have to bribe her with a hot dog from What-a-burger first you know.... It won't be the same without her. There are so many things we never got to do but I know her loving hands will be on mine when I finally get to do them and her spirit will ride shot-gun in the Mater Car right beside me.
Years ago I found a poem I thought might bring comfort to others. I know it has helped me thru the years.
All Is Well
Death is nothing at all, I have only slipped into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name,
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used
Put no difference in your tone,
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was,
Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was, there is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near,
Just around the corner.
All is well.
Henry Scott Holland
1847-1918
Canon of St Paul 's Cathedral
