Today: The legacy.
[tweetmeme source=”elizabethev” only_single=false]Sadly, my grandmother passed away on Friday. I am so happy that she is at peace, and have been thankful to have the the last two days to spend with loved ones, reflecting on Grandma’s long, happy life.
I was thinking of her when I took the photo above. We shared so many happy memories with our grandparents, both in the city and beside the ocean. Before her funeral this morning, the hospice chaplain shared this poem with us.
The Legacy
When I die, give what is left of me to my children.
If you need to cry, cry for your brothers and sisters walking beside you.
Put your arms around anyone,
and give them what you need to give me.I want to leave you with something,
something better than words or sounds.
Look for me in the people I have known or loved.
And if you cannot live without me, then let me live on
in your eyes, your minds and your acts of kindness.You can love me most
by letting hands touch hands
and letting go of children that need to be free.Love does not die, people do.
So when all that is left of me is love,
Give me away.–Merritt Malloy
I thought it was such a beautiful sentiment, fitting for a beautiful life.
Also On Tap for Today:
- Best wishes to everyone running the Boston Marathon today! Stay safe!
- Great ideas for showing the Earth you care
- Straight chillin’
What is your favorite memory with your grandparents?
Comments (7)
Karen
April 16, 2012 at 6:32 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. You were very kind to a stranger when I commented that my grandfather just passed. We are so fortunate to have our grandparents in our lives for such a long time. It sounds like you had a loving relationship with your grandmother as I did with my Gramps. Thank you for sharing that poem- it was very touching.
Angela
April 16, 2012 at 8:06 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. This post meant so much to me. My grandfather is everything to me, I was born on his birthday, so we have always had a special bond, and as he continues to age and his health worsens, I know our time is limited. This really helped me keep a persepective on it. Thank you!
deliciousdishings
April 16, 2012 at 8:32 pm
Elizabeth, I’m so, so sorry to hear about your grandmother. That is such a beautiful poem and a wonderful way to remember her.
funandfearlessinbeantown
April 17, 2012 at 6:25 am
Elizabeth, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m thinking of you during this very difficul time.
Heather
April 17, 2012 at 7:55 am
xoxo.
Lena
April 18, 2012 at 6:27 pm
I am so sorry to hear about your loss, Elizabeth. There really is nothing like the bond between us and our grandparents. And that poem seems very fitting for such a special person.
Sara W. (@wordstorunby)
April 20, 2012 at 10:13 am
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.
I want to tell you tomorrow is the one-year anniversary of my mother’s passing. The poem you shared is beyond beautiful and means a lot to me. Thank you so much. Many hugs.