Go Rest High on that Mountain was playing as the raindrops started to fall. My tears mixed with my mother's tears and my grandmother's. I could feel my face heating up every time a wave of grief came over me, and finally I could no longer hold the sobs in. Go to Heaven shouting love for the Father and the Son. Surely my Granny is doing that now.
I can remember visiting her small apartment and she would walk outside and sit on a plastic chair and smile while we scuffed up our knees and fell off the swingset. I would wave to Granny from the highest branch of our favorite tree, "Look how high I am, granny!" with a triumphant smile upon my face. Every time I entered her door there was a pack of reeses cups and a dollar waiting for me. She always loved to see smiles on children's faces.
I remember when she actually remembered me. Then I remember when I thought it was kind of funny that she didn't remember me so well. "How are your children? Are you still married?" were questions she asked me when I was fourteen years old. But she was so sweet and pure that I always just answered with a smile.
I know she loved me. And she knew we all loved her. Over the years we watched sermons with her on the small black and white television in her bedroom, took her grocery shopping, played hard in her front yard while she watched, and finally, wheeled her into the living room for her last Christmas.
Even at the end, when I was sure she didn't remember me, she would always cradle my face in her hands and say, "Oh, what a beautiful angel.... Oh, I love you... I'm so glad you came to see me.... how sweet". I like to think that she knew who I was and was grateful that I had come. Characteristically, today she looked like an angel. A fragile little lady with a big heart and a bright, shining face.
I'll miss you, Granny. I know you are happier, now.
Posted by michellegsfl at July 17, 2004 03:00 PM | TrackBack