Dear Grandma,
I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I miss you. I think of all the wonderful memories we all had at your house and I will always hold them dear to my heart. You have touched all of our lives with your unconditional love and your legacy of faith. You were such a strong woman. I am happy that you are in heaven now and that you can be with Grandpa. Say hi to Faith Ann from her momma. I am glad that she has you to take care of her. About a year after you left us, I delivered a healthy baby boy. His name is Jake and he will be 2 in January. You would have loved to see his joyful smile. Annika and Caleb ask about you often. Caleb says he remembers you and likes to hear us talk about you. Annika misses you too. We'll see you someday in heaven. Happy Birthday! I love you and wish you were with me right now. Darcee
Grandma’s House
Grandma’s House was built with strong hands,
With Faith, and with the tenderness of a mother’s love…
She welcomed me into her house, her heart opened
To pass on her love to this tiny baby cradled tenderly
In her gentle arms
And Love gave birth once again at Grandma’s house
Grandchildren filled her house with the song of laughter
Little feet running into her kitchen, delighting in simple
Childhood games and weaving memories together
And Grandma’s love stretched out to them like Lilies In June
That flourished in the garden outside Grandma’s house
Summers at Grandma’s house were flavored with the scents
Of Grandma’s garden, of canning rhubarb
The sweet juices of garden corn and red tomatoes dribbled
Down my chin, chicken frying, and endless cookies to bake
In the evenings, we rocked on the old porch swing
Grandma shared stories, and I shared dreams
She chased my nightmares away when I was afraid
She nursed me to health when I was sick
And Grandma’s love always persevered
When we stayed at Grandma’s house
A young woman, I returned again to Grandma’s house
Although the distance had grown between our dwellings,
Our love held us close through the many miles
She held my own precious baby girl, her tender eyes glowing
With love for her brand new great grandchild
And her heart once again expanded to draw in love
Because more younguns have filled Grandma’s house
Grandma’s house is a bridge to my dreams
I close my eyes and the memories come…
I am once again at Grandma’s house
I can still remember the sounds, the smells
The quiet strength of Faith she upheld
I can still hear her voice, calling my name
The soft noise of her rustling in her kitchen
I drink in my surroundings, my memory grasping
Every detail, trinket, picture and book
The kisses she stole and hugs she gave
Her “I love you’s” and her soft touch
And that is how memories have been built of Grandma’s house
Now a new house has been prepared for Grandma,
Where the streets are paved with gold and angels dance
The divine hand of Christ brings her home,
He whispers like rushing waters, “Well done Good and Faithful Servant”
Grandpa is there too, along with all her dear family and friends
They welcome her home
Grandma leaves us with her sweet memories to share
And with hope and faith, we will delight in that day when
Once again we are welcomed into Grandma’s house
And the Lord said:
“DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED. TRUST IN GOD,
TRUST ALSO IN ME. IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE ARE MANY ROOMS:
IF IT WERE NOT SO, I WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU. I AM GOING THERE
TO PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU. AND IF I GO AND
PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU, I WILL COME BACK
AND TAKE YOU TO BE WITH ME
THAT YOU MAY ALSO KNOW WHERE I AM”
JOHN 14:1-4
--Darcee Zehm
January 16, 2009
read at June Reed's funeral
