As I stand here at your grave
I think back on my cherished memories of you
My grandmother
My Friend
And I am swept away with emotion
As the past comes to my mind

I remember as a little girl
Sitting beside you on the handmade quilt
Your love stitched in every piece,
Listening as your voice paints the tale
And your hands turn
The pages of the story “The Grasshopper and the Ants”
One of the many adventures in the well-worn Fairy Tale book

I remember touring Cove Fort
Listening to stories of past residents
Pioneers of old who once stood on the very same spot of ground
Over 100 years before us

Everyone knew all your heart and soul was in the work
Of discovering the past and stepping in their shoes
There was an overwhelming
And tangible feeling of love in the air
Every time you spoke of them

I remember waking up early in the morning
Watching you from my spot on the couch
Watching you and Grandpa mix, bake, and prepare
The greatly anticipated feast,
Cheese toast, pancakes
Hash browns, bacon, and eggs
And the OJ in the familiar tan and glass pitchers
…The breakfast the grandchildren look forward to all winter long,
Then racing to the table to get the spot right by you,
My Grandmother,
My Friend

I remember walking in the garden
Your own little piece of heaven
Watering the gladiolas, ferns
Chinese palm fan, and tulips, and daisies
Caring for them as you would a child
Knowing what they needed,
What would help them be all they could be

I remember hearing something you said a long time ago,
You said you didn’t have to be perfect at everything
When I heard that
I was taken back
You, the perfect Grandma,

You who had a talent for everything,
You painted masterpieces
Sewed thread into beautiful lace
Cooked food like it was an art
Nurtured everything
Using each talent in a way that somehow touched the life of another,

I remember dialing the number often
Of my Grandma miles away
But yet so close in mind
Asking how to make buttermilk,
Or the perfect spice for the white chili
And the yearly call for the exquisite
Thanksgiving turkey gravy

The call to let you know all the news
What was good
What was bad
What was happy
What was sad

Thoughts of life with out you
Never even entered my mind
I seemed to think you’d always be there,
At my wedding,
At my graduation
And my children would look forward to seeing you
Just like I did