My maternal grandmother died February 24, 2003. When she passed she left behind her sister, (the last of ten children), five adult children, 19 grandchildren, umpteen great grandchildren and a great great grandchild. The night she passed I wrote a poem wanting to give voice to everyone she left behind:

Tell the ones gone before dear Sister,

That my memories are still strong.

Tell mom how much I miss her,

And pop it's been too long.

The lord has called you home Mama,

The ones left behind will understand.

As much as we wish you could stay Gram,

Someday we to will join you in his land.

Time was not on our side Nana,

But don't worry we will still know who you are.

So many people who love you Nonnie,

Will tell us you're never too far.