I didn’t see you as a person confined to an aging body.
I remember you as summer days at the lake,
And trips to the greenhouse every spring.
I didn’t see you as a hospital patient drugged to numb the pain.
I remember you as walking again three days after hip surgery,
And water aerobics and mile-long walks as the sun would rise.
I didn’t see you as an elderly lady with weary eyes.
I remember you as hula hooping on your 85th birthday,
And twice-a-year expeditions to shop the outlets at Birch Run.
I didn’t see you as a dying woman.
I remember your life,
I remember the way you lived.
Author notes
I wrote this in honor of my grandma aged 88, and it was read at her funeral. I was annoyed with so many people talking about her last days spent in the hospital dying, and it still bothers me that people have such a hard time letting go. People seem to be drawn to focusing on the bad times, the pain, how many medications their loved ones were on, and hospital bills. Heck, there are too many good things I remember about my grandma to think about instead!
It's been almost a month now, but I still miss her. At least she's with Jesus now. ♥
I still think I can come up with a better title, though. 
Any specific suggestions? Ideas for a better title?
Comments
1 - 5 of 5
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This is a sweet poem and a wonderful message. People really should stop focusing on the bad so much; it's the life we are celebrating, not the death we are mourning that matters. I would be honored to have such a poem read at my funeral.
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The title is very sweet, as it the rest of the poem. It is a very touching piece. In addition to being well-written and engaging, it has such a good message. It's full of love and joy, not regret for life. Death allows us to appreciate living, and this piece is truly reflective of that principle. I would be honored to have such a thing read at my funeral.
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Such a great poem. It's better to remember the good rather then the bad. It's an uplifting poem.
The tittle was great.Went well with such a good poem.
I am sure your grandma heard it. She's smiling down upon you waiting to embrace you in her arms again.
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uplifting
love is so strong especially across the generations. my love for my nana was so special and I remember her every day. an active soul full of love with true values. how shallow we are in these days. lets set fire to some hearts.
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this was an awesome dedication to your grandmother
i like how you wrote this. how you looked passed the physical things and saw into the memories you had.
great work
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