To Grandma Goodman, Who Passed Away Yesterday Evening

Dear Grandma Goodman,

Last night, around seven, you finally slipped away, off to heaven.  It fills me with peace to know your pain is finally over, and you are now in eternity with Grandpa Goodman, Aunt Ginny, Olivia, and so many other loved ones - but most of all, with Jesus, who you lovingly served all of your life.  I have tears of joy and celebration, knowing you are finally home.

I want you to know that I love you, and have so many wonderful memories of you that I will not only have for myself, but for future generations and even to share with the world.  As a child, you told me so many stories - about your life, from the bible, and fables too.  I will think of you lovingly when I share these stories. 

My favorite story, of course, is one I have incorporated into my novel, I'll Fly Away.  It is the story you told about when you were a little girl, and you walked to the mill with your father, who was blind, to take your baby sister to your mother to be nursed during her lunch break.  As you walked to town, you saw a sight you had never seen before, and in your childhood innocence, you asked your father what it was you had seen.

"Daddy," you asked.

"Yes," he replied.

"Why are there cows with tails on both ends walking down the street?"

Now at this, your daddy was perplexed.  He had his sight before, so he knew what things looked like. He was trying hard to figure out what on earth his daughter was seeing.  Then finally he heard a noise that clued him in on the answer.  "Oh sweetie, those are not cows.  Those are elephants!  There must be a circus coming to town!" 

It was a small traveling circus, visiting the poor depression towns hoping to bring a little cheer to the people.  You got a lot of excitement at seeing elephants for the first time ever in person.  I got a lot of excitement listening to you tell that story each and every time, getting to imagine my grandma as a cute little curious girl. 

But more than a beloved storyteller, I will remember you as many other things:  a faithful woman, a loving teacher, a caring grandmother, a creative person, and one doggone good cook!  I will remember Sunday mornings, going to your Sunday school class, even if I was not the age for your class – it was fun to go to with you.  I will remember afternoons being taught by you to make pretty, creative things.  I will remember being cared for by you when I was sick.  I will remember fighting over the leftovers of your creamy white rice – no one could make it just like you, and all of your family loves it!

Most of all, Grandma, I want you to know that I will smile when I think of you.  You were a blessed part of my life, and I will never forget you.  You lived a life that touched so many, and now you will spend eternity reaping the rewards.  So fly away Grandma, off to the pearly gates.  Don't tarry here, concerned about us.  We will remember you and always love you.  Go sing with the angels . . . I can here you now singing I'll Fly Away . . .

Some glad morning, when this life is o'er

I'll fly away

To a home on God's celestial shore

I'll fly away

I'll fly away

Oh, glory, I'll fly away

When I die, hallelujah by and by

I'll fly away

When the shadows of this life have flown

I'll fly away

Like a bird from prison bars has flown

I'll fly away

I'll fly away

Oh, glory, I'll fly away

When I die, hallelujah by and by

I'll fly away

Just a few more weary days and then

I'll fly away

To a land where joy shall never end

I'll fly away

I'll fly away

Oh, glory, I'll fly away

When I die, hallelujah by and by

I'll fly away

Goodbye Grandma Goodman.  Your family will always love and treasure your memory.