This post is in memory of my lovely, beautiful grandmother whose memorial party I had the joy of attending this past weekend.
I am blessed to be surrounded by curious, fascinating, lovely family who chatter, chirp, and move like I do. We gathered to celebrate of the life of an amazing woman–my mother’s mother–who brought to life so many of my favorite people: my siblings, my mom, my cousins, my future descendants, my aunt and uncle, my relatives.
In the afternoon we spent with each of her friends and close colleagues, I learned story after story of her life, of things I knew and didn’t know–and above all, was grounded with a sense of how much my grandmother did for others, and for her community: she loved being active, she loved events, she knew how to throw a killer parties, she was crafty and full of ideas, and she couldn’t stop making things and putting things together. Born of another generation, I get so much of who I am from her, and I am grateful.
Mommy, and Grandma, I love you.
This was the poem we shared for her.
To those I love
If I should ever leave you whom I love
To go along the Silent Way, grieve not,
Nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk
Of me as if I were beside you there,
(I’d come… I’d come, could I but find a way!
But would not tears and grief be barriers?)
And when you hear a song or see a bird I loved,
Please do not let the thought of me be sad…
For I am loving you just as I always have…
You were so good to me!
There are so many things I wanted still to do…
So many things to say to you…
Remember that I did not fear…
It was just leaving you that was so hard to face…
We cannot see Beyond… But this I know:
I love you so…
‘Twas heaven here with you!
– Isla Paschal Richardson, (1886-1971)
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In other updates: The responses I’ve gotten from the Proust Questionnaire have been so fun to read! Thank you to everyone who reached out and shared an answer or two with me. I loved reading them!
Also: The charity:water fundraiser is going really well – we’re already halfway through the fundraiser (amazing!) and we still have at least another four weeks to go–a huge thank you to everyone who has donated so far. I’m incredulous because now it seems like we *might* actually make this happen. If you want to donate or learn more, please do!