God Speed

God Speed, Grandma. We'll miss you.

I'm grateful for our weekly lunches these past four years.

I'm grateful to have lived near you, and that my children know and love you.

I'm grateful for the strong example of serenity, peace, and kindness you've shown.

I'm grateful your earthly struggles are over. You're not in pain anymore.

I'm grateful you've had Grandpa by your side as your strongest advocate, and all the friends you've collected over the years who visited so often, and came bearing dinner and cookies for Grandpa and beautiful flowers and smiles for you.

I'm grateful that you love cartoons just as much as Ernie. You two have watched hours of Sesame Street together!

I'm grateful for the recipes you've passed down, and your love of food. Did I tell you that Bear wowed all his missionary roommates with your vegetable beef stew last week?

I'm grateful to be your name-sake. I hope I do our name proud.

I'm grateful for your spunk. "Where can I find some shortening?" "I reckon Safeway has some!" Finer words were never spoken in the middle of a holiday baking extravaganza.

Most of all, I'm grateful you're my grandma. Say hello to everyone for us, and I'll see you on the other side!