In Loving Memory of Grandma Golder

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Kit McCallum

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Member Laureate

since 2000-04-30

Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada

0 posted 2002-12-04 11:35 PM

On Tuesday, December 3rd, my husband's grandmother passed away at the age of 93. She was a darling woman, someone whom I loved dearly. I wrote the following, which I'll be reading at her funeral tomorrow morning, along with "The Angel Comes" ....

.
*~*

.
In Loving Memory of Grandma Golder

.
I wonder if you heard the wisp of angel wings in flight?
A flutter, as an angel passed away into the night;
The heavens opened up their arms, and welcomed her along,
And for a fleeting moment … I could hear the bagpipe's song.

They played for Grandma Golder, someone I shall not forget
A woman I admired since the day that we first met,
She was a sprite and bonnie lass, of Scottish ancestry;
Her heritage rang strong and true, throughout her fam'ly tree.

I met this special woman almost twenty years ago,
She welcomed me with loving arms, and never let me go;
You might say I adopted her … or she adopted me,
When I first met my husband back in 1983.

It wasn't long before I came to know she was the heart,
That warmed this loving family, of which I was a part;
Both she and Grandpa Golder, had such charming Scottish ways,
I'd sit with rapt attention, just to hear them say a phrase.

It tickled me, I loved to hear her soothing tone and sigh,
Her voice would drift with rrrrr~rolling "r's", in Scottish lullaby,
Thas' grrr~eat! I'd hear across the room, Ach no! It can'nay be …
I din'nay do it, come doon from there …Aye, there's the rub, you see.

It wasn't just her voice … oh no … though that was dear to me,
It was the twinkle in her eye, that everyone could see;
She had a sparkle, and it shone, each time that she began
To speak of Bill, or Steve, or Ed, and her sweet daughter Jan.

The cottage she and Grandpa owned, built memories for all,
In Goble's Grove, at Bonnie Doon … they always had a ball;
I heard that Wayne and Calvin nearly wore their Uncles out,
With memories of happy times … of that, there is no doubt.

Both Gram and Grandpa loved to fish … knew all the spots it seemed,
They filled their days with fishing … oh, the tales there must have been;
They had their favorite places, where they'd fish from day to day,
At night, I heard the stories "grew" … beyond each small fillet!

Wayne told me once, that half the fun, was when they went to bed,
For little did the adults know, they'd sneak back out instead;
They'd hide behind the stairwell, looking through the railing there,
And watch the card games, list'ning to the laughter fill the air.

Blink Bonnie, and old Bonnie Doon were many years ago,
And yet the mem'ries linger on, to light young hearts aglow;
Before we knew it, there was Grandma turning 90 years,
And everyone came out to celebrate with joy and tears.

Most all her children, grandchildren and spouses joined her side,
She shyly grinned and scolded us, (though you could see her pride);
She opened all her presents, but we saved the best for last,
For Calvin had a special gift … oh my … how Grandma laughed!

He'd found a Scottish tam and wig … made Grandma put it on,
We all burst into laughter, as dear Grandma played along;
She posed for pictures, grinning … Oh, she was a bonnie lass!
(And so was Steve, and Ed, and Bill, and Stu … when it was passed!)

I never saw her laugh so hard, before or after that,
And I can't help but smile to picture Grandma in that hat;
She was the sweetest woman, one who had a heart of gold,
Intelligent, and witty, well conversed and even bold.

I'll miss you, Grandma Golder … as will all who loved you so,
And though our hearts are breaking … it was time to let you go;
I can'nay see beyond the Heather, where your soul has passed,
Ach no, I miss me Granny fair … He's taken ye at last.

.
/Kit McCallum

[This message has been edited by Kit McCallum (12-06-2002 07:30 AM).]

Mistletoe Angel

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since 2000-12-17

Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon

1 posted 2002-12-04 11:55 PM

(sends many angel hugs uour way) Oh Kit, I'm so sorry to hear this, sweet friend, my heart goes out to you and your whole family who always love her and always will, but know she will always be guiding you from up above now and now she is free and surrounded by nothing but love, and know she is cheering you on with every ounce of love she has in her smile! (BIG HUGGGGSSSSSS) My thoughts and prayers are with you all, sweet friend, you are a true angel to everyone, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Kit, thank you for sharing!

May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

Skyfire

Member Elite

since 2000-12-27

Posts 3381
Riding

2 posted 2002-12-05 12:02 PM

Woah, Kit... wow. A beautiful, loving tribute. I don't know what else to say...

SmartChick
Member Rara Avis

since 2001-09-23

Posts 7081
On A Journey To The Unknown

3 posted 2002-12-05 12:07 PM

Oh Kit, I am so sorry for yours and your husbands loss. This is a beautiful poem in memory of her. Thank you for sharing it.

Aenimal
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-11-18

Posts 7350
the ass-end of space

4 posted 2002-12-05 12:08 PM

Kit she will be smiling down upon you greatfully for such a warm tribute from her adopted grandchild. I welled up in tear for a woman whom I didn't but wish I'd known, thanks for sharing. And my condolensces for your great loss.

raph

[This message has been edited by Aenimal (12-05-2002 12:09 AM).]

vlraynes
Member Rara Avis

since 2000-07-25

Posts 8229
Somewhere... out there...

5 posted 2002-12-05 12:10 PM

Kit~
I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes and an ache in my heart.
This is such a loving tribute and so beautifully done.
You've painted a lovely picture of Grandma Golder.
I could see her and actually hear her as I read.
This brought back many memories of grandmas and great-grandmas who I have loved and lost.
Thank you for sharing Grandma Golder with us, Kit.
You and your husband, as well as the rest of the family,
will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow.
Hugs and much love to you,
~Vicky

"...until you have read the verse on his heart,
you have not truly met the poet.
~vlraynes
[This message has been edited by vlraynes (12-05-2002 12:13 AM).]

Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

6 posted 2002-12-05 12:11 PM

Kit,
So sorry for you loss. And what a blessing she was to the lives of so many. Bless you for making such a wonderful tribute at such a difficult time. Peace to all of you.

And as I like to say:

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Balladeer

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since 1999-06-05

Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

7 posted 2002-12-05 12:28 PM

Only you could have written this, Kit. The first stanza was absolutely brilliant as was the last. As the others have said, I sit here with sadness for a woman I didn't even know existed until now and I also feel a loss. Your words touch me....

Local Parasite

Member Elite

since 2001-11-05

Posts 2527
Transylconia, Winnipeg

8 posted 2002-12-05 12:57 PM

If it was your objective to inform others not of your loss, but of the life that was lost, then you've succeeded. I'm sitting here in a strong, instilled feeling of sorrow and mourning. How touching that you would immortalize her in your poetry; that all of the memories she's granted you could be so generously shared with the rest of us. Thank you, Kit. Her memory will always be alive by your pen, and in your heart.

Brian

garysgirl

Member Laureate

since 2002-09-29

Posts 19237
Florida, USA

9 posted 2002-12-05 01:07 AM

Dear sweet Kit, Your poem also touched my heart, too. And, I
thought of my Grandmother's and Grandfather's as
I was reading. This is a wonderful tribute to your dear Grandmother. Yes,
she was your Grandmother, too, and it sounds like you had a
special place in her heart as she does yours. It's good
that you have such fond memories of her.
My prayers are with you, your husband and all the rest of her family. Also, I'll pray for you to be able to read the poem the
way that you want to.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful poem, friend.

"Love makes the world go around"
~~with love and hugs from Ethel~~

MARK V SHELDON
Member Elite

since 2001-06-21

Posts 3015
In a corporeal internship...

10 posted 2002-12-05 03:39 AM

Sounds like a very warm and loving/loveable family, Kit. As others have already mentioned, this vicariously put me in her presence and made me smile somberly. Well done, and peace to you, her, and the families...

-MVS

"AS ABOVE SO BELOW"

Sandpiper
Senior Member

since 2002-06-15

Posts 738
land of flora and fauna

11 posted 2002-12-05 05:16 AM

Sounds like she left some wonderful memories--a most touching tribute.

regards2you
Member Elite

since 2002-10-01

Posts 3940
California

12 posted 2002-12-05 09:10 AM

This is beautiful and heartfelt.
I loved the first stanza. We are so blessed by this poem, for we all feel we too, know her, and mourn. Thank you for sharing her with us.

She sounds like one of those one in a million special people whose wit and love leave an everlasting impression of grace and goodwill to all whom she touched.

You and your family have my condolensces. Peace and love to you.

Warmest regards, Pat

..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons..
"Desiderata"

Nan

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Member Seraphic

since 1999-05-20

Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA

13 posted 2002-12-05 09:22 AM

Well, m'friend - If MY eyes aren't dry sitting here reading this - You can be sure that there won't be any at the service. You've done this fine lady proud, dear Kit. Celebrate her 93 years - She was a very lucky lady to have a family such as she did. I have a feeling she won't ever be far away...

Sunshine

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since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

14 posted 2002-12-05 09:27 AM

Kit, with Wayne's approval, I hope you bring this back every year about this time, so we can keep in our memories fresh the sound of this grandmother, whose lilt and love of life will now forever sound through Passions blue halls.

My thoughts are with you and your family today.

Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean

since 1999-07-07

Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla

15 posted 2002-12-05 09:33 AM

Kit,
Perhaps some day I'll hear you read that
loving tribute. It is a class write.
My condolence and a

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean

since 2002-08-27

Posts 40215
Realms of Light

16 posted 2002-12-05 09:39 AM

What a beautiful celebration of Grandma Golder's life and the legacy of a wonderful family that she has left behind.

You wrote with such love--and so well! I enjoyed the poetry, your style, and the sentiments you conveyed.

This most certainly would be treasured by all the family members and I am sure that each of them would appreciate receiving a copy of this poem. It would also be wonderful made up as a wall plaque! Kit, this truly is very special what you have done, and it will help keep the memory of this fine woman, alive forever!

~ Blessings to you all, and to your beloved Grandma Golder who is smiling down at you for your thoughtfulness

Linda

[This message has been edited by Earth Angel (12-05-2002 04:39 PM).]

nakdthoughts
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since 2000-10-29

Posts 19200
Between the Lines

17 posted 2002-12-05 02:27 PM

so very beautiful...the memories of a woman of so many years stretches beyond the imagination.
One of my favorite things I enjoy is retelling my Grandfathers stories of his life right up to its end...actually they never end and carry on through all of us.

A wonderful write, Kit
My condolences for your loss
hugss
m

Janet Marie
Member Laureate

since 2000-01-22

Posts 18554

18 posted 2002-12-05 02:43 PM

Heart-hugs to you and your family
love ya Kit-girlie

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

19 posted 2002-12-05 02:50 PM

What an incredibly beautiful tribute! You tugged this heart and the tears started flowing... My grandmother was a McRae, so the brogue fell gently on these ears.

My deepest sympathy to you and your husband and the rest of the family... along with my envy that you got to know and love such a remarkable woman.

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

20 posted 2002-12-05 03:10 PM

The Scottish believe that this is only the beginning so I will just wish her a pleasant new journey, as it seems her past one was incredible. Kit, did I ever tell you how much I think of you, well I am now.

Martie

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since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

21 posted 2002-12-05 04:35 PM

Kit

My condolances to you for your loss.

It sounds like your grandmother had a rich and long life. Your poem is so full of love and laughter that it made me smile.

Kit McCallum

Administrator

Member Laureate

since 2000-04-30

Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada

22 posted 2002-12-06 07:27 AM

Thank you so much everyone, for your warmth, caring and beautiful replies. I was able to read some of your feedback before I left for the funeral, and it helped give me some courage, so thank you so very much.

It was a lovely service. I went up after the flutist, spoke about Grandma for a while, and read this poem and another. I started off a little shaky, but found some strength, and all went well. I think she would have been proud.

Much appreciation to you all,

/Kit

[This message has been edited by Kit McCallum (12-06-2002 07:31 AM).]

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