To My Nanny…
24 Aug 2010 1 Comment
in Grandparent Poems, Loss, Poetry Tags: grandmother passing poem, grandparent poems, loss of grandmother, Loss Poetry, nanny passing poems, nanny poems
On the 11th anniversary of my Grandmother’s death, and thanks to my mother’s record keeping, I can finally post the original poem I wrote in 1999 when I lost my Nanny, my grandmother, my daughter’s namesake.
I am certain from you passing that I will never be the same.
That all the things you’ve taught me are the ones that must remain.
You laughter and your touch are the things I miss inside
for in your heart I found a place I knew I could survive.
For my life has been a struggle from the lines of shadows walked
and in these past transgressions along with me you’ve walked
and when it seemed that no one, would come and take my hand
you were always faithful to love and understand.
I cannot dream of a love as the one you hold for me
and all the times you’ve wiped away the pains you could not see.
I know it has been your prayers that have kept me from great harm
and when I needed comforting I have always found your arms.
There is a world that will not know you and my children will not see
your compassion and your kindness to all of those in need.
There is a pain so everlasting and a sadness time won’t fill
to the Nanny that can hold me, when there is no one else who will.
There are thousand memories haunting, for the Nanny that was mine
and all the loved ones grieving when they were left behind.
There is a pain so unforgiving, that the last days were not your best
and all the way we miss you and wish we had seen your last breath.
I cannot forget the times I failed you and left you all alone
or the pain my life had caused you at my decisions away from home.
But in the times I hurt you and caused you not to sleep
I knew you would always love me and not turn your back on me.
The world had lost a part of it with your passing on this day.
There is so much that can be told of you, so many things to say.
The heavens are much brighter now for your love is found in few.
And of Grace I can tell, you loved everyone you knew.
11-04-99
Saying goodbye to Nanny (take two)
11 Sep 2008 1 Comment
in Family Time, Grandparent Poems, Loss, Poetry Tags: death of grandma, death of grandmother, death of Nanny, Grace Horton, poem about death grandmother, poem about death of grandma, poem about death of nanny, Poem grandma, Poem grandmother, poem nanny, poem of death., poem of grieving, poem of loss
Grace Horton, my Nanny
This poem is written in response to this post: Goodbye Nanny which I wrote in tears on the ninth anniversary of my grandmother’s death. In recap, I had decided to post the poem I wrote for her after she died and although I searched in vain all day long, I was never able to find it. I’ve been pining over it since then. It tears me up inside that I am missing this piece of my past, this poem that encompassed all the emotions that were running through me after losing her. In an attempt to appease my heart, I am going to try to rewrite a poem to her, nine years later. In her memory and in her honor. I love and still miss you terribly Nanny. No one else will ever take your place.
To my Nanny
As the anniversary of your death
crept into my heart to brood.
I could not help but crack a smile
at your favorite dress: Moo- Moos.
Never has there been a soul
so touched by love and care.
Never a frown upon her face
her possessions always shared.
I can count each and all the times
you knew I broke the rules.
But you always kept my secrets close
and you never gave up my ruse.
You are the reason I brush each day
and keep my hands in my lap.
You were the light when things felt dim.
Your arms, around me, would wrap.
Eye to eye, we never did see,
on religion, politics and bows.
“Pull back your hair, show me your face,”
you’d say as you’d tussle my fro.
You passed so quickly, I never did see
that it could come and take you away.
Gone a few weeks after getting my ring,
no time spent planning my day.
My kids will not know you, never will have,
the time that I did with you.
They never will know the love that you brought
in all the ways you do what you do.
Your memory lives on, though you do not,
in my heart and my daughter’s name.
Aptly named Grace, you both are so different
yet in ways, you are so much the same.
I love you sweet Nanny, I miss you each day
your spirit remains locked in my mind.
The lives that you touched never shall pass
the legacy you left us behind.
September 10, 2008
Grandboy (Grandpa Bray) Passing Poem 2007
11 Aug 2008 Leave a Comment
in Family Time, Grandparent Poems, Loss, Poetry Tags: grandfather, grandpa, grieving poetry, losing grandfather, losing grandpa, Loss, memories, poetry losing grandfather, poetry losing grandpa, poetry on loss, remembering
My most treasured memory
I have yet to decide.
As we lay you down to rest
and say our last goodbyes.
You’re my most favorite Grandboy,
I’ve felt so much love from you.
You’d introduce me as your grandchild,
even though I didn’t come from you.
But where then will we eat?
“Wherever YOU want” you’d say.
And as we know so very well
it would always be buffet.
The Price Is Right will likely be on
if you stop by at eleven.
The Wheel of Fortune will be blaring
if you’re there at half past seven.
We’ve had our share of Chick-fil-a.
Probably enough to choke.
But you’d better watch your step
if you forget those senior cokes.
The tug or war of who would pay,
it’s a struggle I’d never win.
Always with the last few minutes of
“MOMMA, MOMMA! DID YOU PAY ‘EM?!”
Whatever problems you would have
he’d have the answers I’ll bet.
From a man as wise as his years
and as stubborn as they get!
Whenever I would call their home,
the speakerphone quickly seized.
If they were not there to answer
I’d hear “Leave your message please.”
Whenever you would come to visit,
there was always some small chore.
That sometimes would last for hours
you’d never know what was in store.
Another special memory,
is when Porter fell asleep
in Grandboy’s arms and for those hours
Grandboy refused to eat.
But I think my favorite one of all
isn’t silly, small or funny.
Always a kiss and a hug so tight
then, “Goodbye, I love you honey.”
This was written for our Grandfather, our Grandpa, whom we all called Grandboy who passed away in August of 2007.
Grandpa Keith Passing Poem 2007
11 Aug 2008 Leave a Comment
in Family Time, Grandparent Poems, Loss, Poetry Tags: grandfather, grandpa, grieving poetry, Keith Rigdon, losing grandfather, losing grandpa, Loss, memories, poetry losing grandfather, poetry losing grandpa, poetry on loss, remembering
So many reasons to now say, farewell,
and so each of us in our own way
Say goodbye to the legacy that you have left us behind,
the inspiration to light all our days.
Grandpa Keith, I remember your kindness and smile
the mustache, the eyes, always bright.
Your way to keep the room always aglow
your laughter to liven our nights.
When the dinner was served you were always in line.
Armed solely with fork and with knife.
To be first in line you’d schmooze any girl
Even those hoping soon to be wife.
Your desire for life and family was strong,
Your love for beer also great.
You created a family of love and support
and for that you choose your life’s mate.
The memory of you, your soul full of life,
as our hearts so heavy I end.
Let’s raise us our hands, full of aces or ales,
Say goodbye Husband, Father, Grandpa and friend.
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