Generations of Women, 1925

Grandma. Poems. Loss. February 4, 2012

My mother-in-law passed away on Wednesday, February 1, three days ago.

She was 95, just six weeks shy of her 96th birthday.

Of the many kindnesses I remember from her, the first was celebrating with her large, extended family at Christmas, when all were exchanging gifts.

I hadn’t expected to be there, and had no gifts for others.

But, she surprised me with one under the tree for me – a lovely gold compact.

Within a month, her son would be drafted, he and I would be married and he would be on his way to Boot Camp.

I hope she knew how treasured I felt.

With that compact, she welcomed me into the family.

I miss you Ruth Teasley Hutchinson Covin.

May your sleep be peaceful.

Death Too Early, Too Late

The trouble with death is

It comes at the wrong time.

If a friend dies with all his faculties

And in apparent good health,

We say, “It’s a tragedy.

He had many good years ahead of him.

If a friend dies in poor health

And for years hasn’t been able

To walk, or read, or remember anything,

We say, “It’s too bad

She had to suffer

We don’t want to live that long.”

Bette Hileman

Used by permission from Bette Hileman

Also published in Eclectic Brew and vox poetica.

Click here to order Eclectic Brew from amazon.

Carol Covin, “Granny-Guru”

Click here to order my book, “Who Gets to Name Grandma? The Wisdom of Mothers and Grandmothers”

http://newgrandmas.com

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Originally posted here:
Grandma. Poems. Loss.