In Sweetest Memory....

My sweet Grandma Graham passed away this week. We have been caught in a surreal swirling of emotion, relief, disbelief, laughing, mourning and just....loving. This sweet woman was not just a hug-giving, cookie-making presence in my life (not discounting her hugs, or her cookies, of course) she was my friend. It seemed as if we could read each other's minds and would go to call each other on the same day...at the same time. We shared a passion for flowers and gardening and could fill an entire conversation with thoughts on trimming, blossoms and roses. Memories of her laugh still make me smile, and thoughts of her absence haven't had time to resonate. However, I do know that I will miss her reassurances, her loving advice and her concern. Her sweet arms cradled each of my sweet newborn babies, and her rose colored lipstick left love on each of their little cheeks. There will be an achingly empty chair as we celebrate life's steps....because she never missed a moment of sharing in our joys. My heart leaps to think of her eternal reunion! Parents, siblings, Grandpa....I'm sure he has missed her so. There were so many she had served over her diligent years...I know the heavens celebrated her return. She is so loved, inspired so many...and I will miss her.

There was a time where she shared with me a phrase from a blessing she was given where she was promised that she would grow to be "as old as a tree..." As part of her services, (and my therapy) I wrote this poem for her:

Grandma, once you were promised to grow…

”As old as a tree,”...was your fate.

Together, we pictured you waving to all

In your grandiose wisdom and gait.

As we ponder the meaning of blessings,

And how the Lord in His wisdom and sight

Truly promises us things to comprehend

During moments when seeking His light…

Yes, Grandma, a tree—your legacy indeed!

With branches that stretch long and true.

Those branches have shaded and comforted us all

Those leaves, filtered life’s light and truth.

Your roots, oh how mighty...found their strength in the past—

Rich with integrity, tradition and work.

Those roots, grounded deep in a legacy,

Held true in that hard, blessed dirt.

At times those sweet branches were asked to bear

Almost more than they could be able.

Through the storms of life, whatever the trial,

Chosen sacrifice held truth in fable.

In those quiet moments, when the breeze softly blew

Through your treetop in pure serenity,

We knew with certainty, your heart was in prayer

With gratitude as you thanked God for peace.

Your boughs never ceased to grow upward—

Always looking for light and His plan.

Constantly growing closer to Christ

Through charity to your fellow man.

Your glorious Spring and your Summer

Allowed your branches to reach and to care!

They lifted and loved and supported

Each one who had something to bear.

As it feels, your Autumn was quickened

By a need to return back home.

We now treasure each leaf that has fallen

From your branches, from which it is known…

That a tree’s influence is felt forever!

As you look down upon your garden’s bloom

Take comfort in knowing you have watered us well

Through example and remaining ‘in tune.’

From those limbs we find courage and strength to grow taller.

As we look upward toward heaven we’ll see

That we can find your voice in a summer’s breeze…

Find your smile in the buzz of a bee.

Thank you for never ceasing to grow!

And for carrying upon branches strong

The hearts and souls of a posterity with belief—

Seeds were planted—so your legacy will go on.

As we celebrate a life lived so greatly…

With strength—true and wise as a tree…

Sweet Grandma, those branches of laughter and love

Will extend for eternity!