those that we miss

I love this final photo of my Grandma taken in August of 2010.  She celebrated her 96 birthday. We actually put 96 candles on the cake and lit them all.  The nursing home looked the other way.  Look at those flames!  My sister-in-law and I are so lucky we didn't set off the sprinklers.  Grandma loved it.

My mind boggles at living to be that old.  What a gift yet how painful it appeared to be.  She was incredibly strong in all she faced.  I am grateful I knew her and was blessed with her love.

Christmas time can be hard for those of us who have lost people we would have rather kept forever.  I long for a world in which there are no more tears and no more loss.  Until then, this poem in for my Grandmother.

My Grandma

Many tears I have for you shed
I miss your laughter and voice cranky
playing cards or discussing books you'd read
but mostly I miss you smiling at me
through your cooking much love was sent
quick in wit, faster yet in bridge game
one who said loudly what she meant
personality lively, spirit not tame
at your heart a lady true
yes, missed but with Jesus now at your best
I'm beyond thankful Him you knew
by you my life was indeed blessed.


{hugs}
Shea