October 20, 2009

Remembrance

A ukulele strums "Somewhere over the rainbow" through the radio speakers as I sit in my apartment. The wind blows the chill around outside the same as it did all those years ago as I said bye to her. Peaceful death smoothed her elderly skin, and as I held her hand and kissed her on the cheek I knew that though her soul had lifted it wouldn't be the last time I felt her. It's moments like these with the soft sound of the Hawaiian islands playing her favorite song that I still feel very close to her. Dot, may you know that I am thinking of you today on the anniversary of you leaving us.

Somewhere, over the rainbow, way up high.
There's a land that I heard of Once in a lullaby.
Somewhere, over the rainbow, skies are blue.
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true.
Someday I'll wish upon a star and wake up where the clouds are far Behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops, Away above the chimney tops.
That's where you'll find me.
Somewhere, over the rainbow, bluebirds fly. Birds fly over the rainbow,
Why then - oh, why can't I?
If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow,
Why, oh, why can't I?

Drawing by (My Uncle & Dot's son) Bob Johnson

4 comments:

  1. Thanks for the tears! I don't even know Dot and you made me cry. What a nice way to remember her. And, that song is my all-time favorite, gets me misty every time! :)

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  2. Really nice post Gennie, they don't really ever leave us alone!

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  3. that was so sweet vieve! we all feel her! and miss her! i love you!

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  4. The other day, I was at work. One of the Executive Directors at one of the properties wanted to start a blog, so I was showing how this id done. I then showed her Kristin's blog as an example, and then Hilary's and then I went to yours. "Oh," I said, "Look. Vieve has posted a new post." And then I started to read and then I got all choked up. "I am so sorry," I said to the girl, "I had no idea she had posted this." The girl said, "It's okay 'cause it's beautiful." Gosh, Gen, even more than the absolutely beautiful words you posted, you brought back the authentic feelings from those days when you were so strong, so loyal, so sweet and you and Becky were so by her side up to the last moment--which seemed prearranged by grandma herself. How much those days will ALWAYS mean to me, and then to top it off, the momoent that is embedded in my and David's mind, is the fact that you drove us home that night. I was 47 years old, David was 55 and you were 18, and as we sat in the back seat crying together, you were at the wheel, making sure we got safely home because that IS the person you are. Thank you, so much, for being a wonderful daugther and a pillar of strength on that day that was truly one of the most painful days of my life. Love you, Vieve, and so great to see you. You look great!

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