Saying Goodbye

I remember the spinning chairs at the bar in the kitchen.

I remember the magnets holding up the artwork of your grandchildren covering your fridge.

It used to make me laugh when you'd tell me Grandpa was studying everytime he fell asleep reading his Louis L'Amour books.

I loved the knick knacks you kept in the dining room curio cabinet. Especially the metal music box with the airplane that circled around it.

I can still picture the rust red carpeting with the red and yellow stripes in your basement. I can still imagine its texture in my head. I can picture the placement of your stationary bike, and I can envision all of the decorations.

The family crest on the wall at the bottom of the stairs.

The Indian Chief you painted in the corner.

The rower you always told me not to play on.

I can still see the toilet in the laundry room that was supposed to be in the second bathroom Grandpa never got around to putting in.

I can picture the sidewalk along the side of the house and your beautiful flower gardens in the front.

Every time I hear the song "How Great Thou Art" I can hear your voice singing it in my head.

Today when I hear it, it will be because it is one of your favorites. We will listen to it to honor you. To say good-bye.

You taught me that God loves me, always. No matter what.  And now you are whole again, in his loving arms.

You taught me that family makes you rich, regardless of how much you have. Today your family gathers to show just how rich you are.

Thank you, Grandma, for 30+ years of life lessons and memories.

Give Grandpa a hug for me!