She is a beacon of light and strength to all who know her.
Ninety-nine years old, and today she lies dying.
Yes, this day was expected, but that doesn’t lessen the pain of losing her.
I will always remember her mischievous and contagious giggles,
her warmth and kindness and openness to all;
always willing to open her doors to all in need.
In her presence I felt loved and fully accepted, always.
She was fun, and loved to laugh and play; endless games of Dice.
She loved the candy, Circus Peanuts, the orange marshmallow candies.
I would sometimes catch her at the store squeezing the bags of candy
to check for freshness.
She would giggle at being caught. This memory makes me smile.
Today, my grandma lies dying, and today I am holding her up in my heart
and wishing, hoping and praying that she lets go in gentle peace.
A beautiful, shining light will always remain lit in many a heart,
for she has left an indelible mark on all who have had the privilege to know her.
Heaven will soon be even more blessed.
I love you Grandma W, and I thank you for your positive presence in my life.
I miss you so already.
Author notes
Wow! Tears upon tears! I will miss this woman so much!
Update: My dear grandmother passed away peacefully yesterday, 10/10/2008.
Leah Wegner..1909-2008
May she rest in peace. I love you Grandma W.
Option 1
Prompt 4 Family or friend passing away
paw-writer
A contest entry
- If you have a person so very dear to you, heres your chance to write a poem just for them by Hannie.
450 points, ended October 9, 2008, 24 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - The Autobiography Aisle by Auburn Sunrise.
550 points, ended October 13, 2008, 13 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - To Those That Inspire Us by The Rainbows Mind.
900 points, ended November 2, 2008, 10 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Contest for free verse poems... PW of Oct'08 is allowed by Manoj Sanyal.
370 points, ended October 18, 2008, 16 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Through the Fire and Flames (we carry on) by MYsecondchance.
800 points, ended January 4, 17 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Sad, Upset, Hurt, Betrayed? by starving4perfection.
1550 points, ended April 26, 157 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - In Tribute To Angels by Heavenly Angel.
675 points, ended November 11, 37 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
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I'm truly sorry for the loss of your Grandmother
Sounds like she was indeed, an angel
Thank you for sharing your Grandmother with me and for allowing me to get to know a bit about her; may God bless you!
Heavenly -
wow...
i know it is still hard on me years after the loss of my brother i hope in the year that has passed that you are a little better
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this is truly a sad poem. i could feel the heartache reading your words. however, i don't know if you noticed, but you switched tenses in your stanzas. the first two stanzas were present, the next was past, and the last went back to present. you should make them all the same tense for continuity and flow. thank you for entering.
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this one really hit home for me! excellent feelings here all placed in the right places! your a finalist!
Take care and good luck in the contest! Tand. -
Wow lots of trophies and well deserved ;-) very sad and the imagery is great! Thankyou for sharing this with me xxx
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Beautiful dedication, so heart felt and warm, well written of course. Blessings
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Oh my....no wonder you have so many trophies for this memorable enjoyable and endearing inspirational write about your Grandma...Mine too gives me memories, I shall remember forever, and the other one died when I was very young...I am supposed to be the image of her...So precious, and
of many more trophies... A beautiful penning!
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omgg...i can relate to that so much! with my great grandma! she passed away 3years ago and im stil not over her! im so bad at dealing with things like that!
"her warmth and kindness and openness to all;
always willing to open her doors to all in need."
im so sorry you went through such heartbreak, it takes alot of time for different people to get over someone they loved so much and i hope you find the strength to do that soon...if you ever wanna talk ill be here for you....and congrats on all those trophies im not suprised!!!
thanks for the entry and good luck 
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Such great memories you shall always carry with you in your heart and may you never forget to smile when you think of her...heaven was blessed with another angel, may you find some comfort in that...a beautiful and touching dedication.
Thank you for sharing!
mystic
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i can't stop laughing about her checking the freshness by squeezing the bag. my grandmother does that too.
i'm sorry for your loss. i'm glad you are ready to let this go.
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LOL..I am glad this brings you joy around your own grandmother. They are great aren't they? Blessings, Patty
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What a beautiful tribute!
My Grandmother passed away a few years back...
and I miss her very much...but she lives on in my heart and memories!
Best wishes in the contest!
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Thanks so much for your kind and thoughtful comment. It is much appreciated. Blessings, Patty
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yes i can relate to this sooo much, and im so sorry for you and your family. This really made me sad, and really brought back memories. much love and respect to you
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Thanks so much for your kind comment. I am sorry it made you sad, but maybe it also reminded you of the good memories you had with a loved one too.
Blessings, Patty
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This actually made me cry....I can relate so much. My grandmother was a lot like that...the kind of person who has always been there, and you can't picture them being gone...Losing my grandmother was one of the hardest things in my life, and I know how you feel. It gets easier after a while...I know everybody says it, but just remember the good times and remember that she wouldn't want you to be sad. Best of luck and I offer my sympathy.
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this is so sad but so sweet. It's so nice to have loved ones that you care so much about but it makes it sadder when you lose them. Thanks for sharing.
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thats so sad but good write and good luck
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I've never had any one close to me pass away i honestly don't know how it would feel, for what it is worth im trully sorry.
Thank-you for gracing this contest with this=] -
"I would sometimes catch her at the store squeezing the bags of candy
to check for freshness.
She would giggle at being caught. This memory makes me smile."
this really did make me smile.
beautiful poem on such a beautiful person.
thanks for entering this and all the best
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This is really beautiful! I have never read a poem dedicated to someone who has just recently passed, and I must say, that you have done very well. She would have been please to see you write such great things about her.
Thanks for entering, and good luck.
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*tears* that is beautiful i kno wat it is like losin a grandmother and then rememberin all the small things she did you should remember then for the rest of your life she would enjoy that
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This is a heart felt and beautiful poem and brought back memeories of my grandmothers
Well done and worth gold from the get go
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This was really beautiful and it had a very loving feel to it. You can really tell that you loved her and really made me cry. Well done and good luck xo
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I really relate to this piece because my great gramma of 101 died last Thanksgiving. This poem brings out some of my own memories. :]
"In her presence I felt loved and fully accepted, always.
She was fun, and loved to laugh and play; endless games of Dice.
She loved the candy, Circus Peanuts, the orange marshmallow candies.
I would sometimes catch her at the store squeezing the bags of candy
to check for freshness.
She would giggle at being caught. This memory makes me smile."
This stanza made me smile. :] This was a really great poem in her memory. Thanks for sharing.
Peace
-Lily♥ -
wow this so sad, you have caputred your feelings so well, it's a beautiful piece of poetry, but just so, so sad, best of luck in the contest
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Wow just so heartwarming.. May your grandmother R.I.P for now and always.. It's always sad to let go of our loved ones but good to know they do not suffer anymore.. It's also we let go knowing they are up above looking after us..
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Thanks so much for your very kind comment. Blessings, Patty
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Beautiful!
Oh Patty...I am so sorry for your loss. You have written a fitting tribute to her with words straight from your heart and it shows in every line. God bless you.
This is my favourite line:-
'Today, my grandma lies dying, and today I am holding her up in my heart'
Maggie Rose
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A gentle peace
Poet I would think so for as God welcomes your Grandma He is also reading your lovely words. How can it not be? such love and admiration. So rare today.
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Thanks so much for your kind comment. The support is greatly appreciated. Blessings, Patty
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OH God I keep on getting lovely sad beautiful poems.I want to let you know that you were very lucky to ever have such a Grnadma; I've got an awesome one too. So glad you entered.
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oh wow, I think i shed a tear when i read this .
my grandmother on my fathers side has been dead for 6 years now and when i read this it brought back so many fond memories of her.
wow thank you for sharing this. I'm so glad you entered.. good luck in the contest.
-Mandi
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Thank you so much and I'm glad this brought back some good memories for you. Blessings, Patty
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My grandmas dying too. My other grandma I never knew.She died 2years before I was born. I love it!
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You describe a woman of warmth and kindness, strength and humor. Touching "praying that she lets go in gentle peace." Beautiful "Heaven will soon be even more blessed."
You will always miss her, but you will always remember her, and carry the things you treasured most into the lives of those you touch. You have been greatly privileged to know and be loved by such a wonderful person. She loved and valued you.
My tears for your sorrow.
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wonderful tribute
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My dear grandmother died the week she would have turned 98 and her funeral was on her birthday. I still think of her so fondly and with tears brimming even after all these years, as I do with a great aunt of that generation.
I love the details in this poem like the Circus peanuts - these are what brings them to life.
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This is so beautiful. What an amazing tribute to your grandma. From how you decribe her, she sounds like a very warm, happy and beautiful person. I am greatful you have such treasured memories. Just know that she will always be close to you. By the way, circus peanuts were my grandma's favorite too. Wonderful poem!
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Oh your heartfelt and beautiful poem brought such tears to my eyes. I know your grandmother is smiling down from Heaven and will always be by your side. I will be praying for you and your family in your time of need. I know we still have not gotten over my husbands father passing a year ago this past September. hugs and love Theresa
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nice dedication with feelings and in simple language.
Good luck,
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this is a very good write! i love the description of your gradmother's personality that you gave me! good luck!
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This is a very touching, warm and heartfelt piece. I suppose that I could somewhat empathize.
I lost my Grandma about 3 years ago, and she will forever remain the #1 love of my life. In fact, when I was little, and even when I was grown "15 when she passed", I always called her Funny Grandma.
She always believed in me, and even believed in people that in my opinion didn't deserve such care and love. I find that where my life is at right now, I'm a lot like her. The difference is, I've found myself, my peace, and my inner serenity.
She worried herself to death. Just figured I'd pass that story along, because that's what this poem reminded me of.
I will tell you, you will never get over the loss, but in time the pain will fade, and you will wake up to realize "she may be dead, but she doesn't have to be in spirit. It is up to me to keep her deeds and ways of life alive."
Look at it from the "bright" side, well, rather, the logical side. Now, it's time for you to keep your loved one's legacy alive for you know that's what she would want.
Thanks for entering and good luck. -
arms of comfort and tears of understanding...we surround
you with warmly to soothe your heart.
Always remember...and dream tonight...that Father God
our Creator stands by her side and smiles deep within
her eyes....
she's probably telling him all about how much she loves
every single inch of your heart and being!
MIGHTY prayer warrior you now have in the heavens too!
ears/Seattle much love, much love.
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Thank you so much for your words of comfoort. They are very much appreciated. She was a blessing in my life, and it has been really tough to let her go. She will be in my heart always. Thanks again and blessings to you, Patty
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What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful lady!
My great-grandmother (age 96) is not doing well either...
I am so sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace. I'm sure she will be with you always... a guardian angel.
Thank you for entering this exquiste piece and giving me the chance to get to know her through your words... -
I am so sorry to hear this!
I do wish you and your family
all the best. Congratulations
to you on your gold trophy!
Keep up the great work here!
Jeremy0826 -
i was nearly in tears reading this poem...so sweet and heartfelt!!
thank you so much for entering i was so glad to read this -
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Thanks so much for your kind words. She is a very special person. Blessings, Patty
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Oh, hon!
This is a difficult transition to go through. I know how special and close that relationship is. I was very close to my step-grandmother. Unlike the rest of that family, she had a big, generous and warm heart; and even though I wasn't of her blood, she made me feel loved unconditionally and accepted without reservations. I loved her so. In fact, I need to write a poem honoring her. She died when I was 16, and life was never the same after that.
I know how hard this is for you. I wish we could all live forever. Well, we do in a different form. We all carry on. Your grandma will still be with you after she passes - in some ways even closer. and much love,
Karen
I will pray for her and all of you my dears. XOXOXOXOX
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Thanks so much Karen. She is still hanging on and is in a lot of pain. She is also my step-grandma, but has been in my life since I was two years old. She is such a neat person and will be sorely missed. But she has lived a long and good life and has left her special marks on so many. I will look forward to reading your poem when you write it for your grandma. Blessings, Patty
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I am sorry to hear that she is in pain
I will pray for her. It is so very difficult to bare seeing someone we love suffer. The feelings of helplessness can be overwhelming. When my late husband was dying from cancer, he was in horrible pain at the end. They increased his morphine and after that he died peacefully. It is a hard decision to make; because the morphine actually can shorten their life. It was my decision and his. He was dying and wasn't going to make it through the night.
The suffering and pain he was enduring at the very end was unbearable. The cancer was exploding in his lungs. To this day I know that we did the right thing. He was able to be with us in peace and pain free for several hours, he talked to his daughter back east on the telephone, we prayed, and then he fell asleep peacefully and finally died. We saw his spirit (my daughter and I), when he left his body - at the exact moment of death. I knew by that he was dead and his body was an empty shell.
My love and concern is with you!
I said a prayer and will continue to pray for your grandmother's smooth transition.
Please let me know how you, your grandmother and the rest of the family are doing as you can.
Like the butterflies in your beautiful background graphic for this poem; your grandmother will be free and go to a wonderful place.
Much love, Karen
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I felt your love my friend
in every precious word
she appears to be your inspiration as you too have become a beacon of light
beautifully written
God bless you my friend...
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Thanks so much my friend. Your continued support is much appreciated. Yes, she is an inspiration to many. Blessings, Patty
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A wonderful way to open your heart and let the love pour out. A tribute to wonderful and beautiful woman, judging by your write. Knowing it is coming does not ease the hurt, but the memories will help heal in time.
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Thank you much for your kind words. Yes, she is a lovely person and an inspiration to many. Blessings, Patty
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OH how sad..
My friend you have penned a very touching piece in honor of your grandma, I'm sure she'd be happy to know that you hold her in such high regard. This was sad, but well written, good luck inthe contest, and even more important god bless you for many years to come.
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Thanks much my friend. It is a huge loss as she is a phenomenol woman. I appreciate your kind and supportive words. Blessings, Patty
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My sympathies, Patty. I loved this poem and you definately have all your heart and soul involved here. She must be one wonderful and beautiful lady. I know its sad to lose someone you love, but they will never truly die because you carry them with you. Good luck in the contest.
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Thank you much! Yes, my whole heart is here in this one. She is a beautiful and precious soul. Her presence in my life will be greatly missed. True, I will always carry her and her memories in my heart. Blessings, Patty
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this is so precious, I just came back from going and saying goodbye to my grannie, she is 98 and also dying so this really touched my heart.
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Thanks for your kind words. I am sorry your grannie is dying too. No matter that they have lived long lives, it doesn't make losing them any less painful. Blessings, Patty
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No it doesn't make it easier. It sounds like you have many wonderful memories too. One of my greatest will be hearing her tell me once more that she love me. I hope I can be even part of the grandma she was to me.
Rhonda
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Thanks much..It is a tough time. She is a very special woman. Patty
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Such a beautiful tribute to your grandmother. Reading brought tears to my eyes. A lovely poem my friend.
Hugs and blessings to you.
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