Anyone who met my grandmother knows that she was a bright, shining light. And even though she is no longer with us in physical form, her afterglow continues to radiate.

My gramma was one of my greatest friends, teachers, and role-models. She loved life and she lived it with passion, full speed ahead. She absolutely doted on my grandfather and she was a devoted and affectionate grandmother. To say that her family was important to her would be an understatement.

I learned from her that when my hands and heart are open to give, I can then also receive. She exemplified that we receive to the same degree that we give. She gave generously and tirelessly, and she received graciously and abundantly.

She told me that God doesn’t make junk. We are all valuable and have a purpose on this earth, whether we know it or not. She understood human frailties and foibles and she practiced compassion…and allowed me to remind her at times to have compassion for herself. She taught me to believe in myself and when I couldn’t, to turn to someone who did. Of course, that someone was often her.

On the practical side, she was a great example of the value of taking naps. She believed a little ice cream would help make things better if you were upset, you should always eat a good breakfast, and get a good night’s sleep.

My gramma was a great laugher and I can hear her laugh even now. On our many phone conversations, we would crack each other up and just laugh and laugh.

During our talks just before her sudden death, we spoke about the importance of letting go of what we cannot control in our lives. This is perhaps one of the most challenging life lessons to embrace, and she felt encouraged by her efforts at the process.

And she has let go… …

My gramma’s light now shines on a new world that we are not yet able to experience. Those of us who knew her will miss the contact that we enjoyed with her; physical death leaves a void for those of us who must remain behind. We can lessen this void with an awareness of living, with a recognition of the precious value of life. Allow my gramma’s life to give meaning to your life, so that the experience of her presence enhances your existence and expands your appreciation of love and life. Let the light of her life join with yours so that together they may illumine the dark corners of this world.

At first, the memories may be difficult. Good-byes like these press against our hearts and fill the cup of sorrow to overflowing. But grief’s slow wisdom will do its healing and we will come again to know that farewells are necessary before we can meet again, and meeting again after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.

I leave you with these words:

God, You made me.
From before I was born.
You took me through my life.
You supported me.
You were there with me when I wasn’t there with You.
There were times I was sick and You healed me.
There were times I was in despair and You gave me hope.
There were times when I felt betrayed and I could turn to You.

It was a wonderful life. I loved and I was loved.
I sang, I heard music, I saw flowers, I watched sunrises and sunsets.
Even in places when I was alone,
You, in my heart, helped me to turn loneliness into precious solitude.
I look back over the panorama of my life,
What a wonderful privilege this was!

I still have concerns for my family,
For the world, for the planet.
I put them in Your Blessed Hands.
I trust that whatever in the web of life that needed
me to be there is now completed.
I thank you for taking the burden from me,
And I thank You for keeping me in the Light.
As I let go, and let go, and let go...and let go.

~Track 8, Graceful Passages

Lucretia DeLong
11/20/32-3/2/07