The house in the woods stands silent,
Its rooms nearly empty and bare,
For the life and laughter that lived there,
Has gone on to the Savior’s care.
***
A pile of dishes, old papers and books,
furniture, nick knacks, and more
Things from this life, all left behind
When she went to heaven’s shore.
***
I took some memories home with me
A couch, a chair, a dictionary,
Ironstone, books, a baby doll,
Little things that speak to me.
***
I stood in the silence, alone.
Closed my eyes and breathed in deep
the sweet essence of grandmas house
for the final time of my life.
***
I drove out the lane, rather sad,
my heart felt a bit of a pain
a tear or two trickled down my cheek
as i rounded the curve in the lane.
***
The memories will go on forever
Her smile, her caring, her love,
Her example of quiet simplicity
Her faith in the Father above.
***
Saying good-bye is so bittersweet,
Sad and yet happy since I know
I will see her again in heaven
When life’s over for me here below.
***
Today we picked up the furniture I purchased at my Grandma’s auction last Saturday. As I was walking slowly through the empty rooms one last time, it still smelled like Grandma’s house. But it was quiet, and cold and empty, no warm glow, no aroma of a delicious meal, no Grandma saying ‘Well, HI!’ She has gone on to a better place. I am happy to have things that were hers, that she lovingly used for years and now has no use for any longer. Things that will always remind me of her. I am happy she is free from her body of clay and praising Jesus at His throne. I miss her. We always miss our loved ones when they leave us. Death is a part of life, but a part of life that hurts and makes us sad. I praise the Lord that through Him it isn’t forever and we have hope and assurance of one day being face to face with our loved ones again and most of all with our Savior Jesus Christ.
Have a blessed Sunday.
Sew a Fine Seam
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I can’t read it without crying. You wrote my feelings. Happy and sad all at the same time. Life constantly changes, yet some changes are so bittersweet.
Loving family and memories created are such special, special gifts.
Yes, Jill, it made me cry! Thank you, for writing it so beautifully.
Jill, I am 61 years old. All but one of my Grandparents passed in my early 30’s. I was blessed to have my step grandmother in my life until I was 55. I feel their spirit in my heart most every day. I can smell my Grandma’s kitchen as I write. You, my friend, rekindled my memories once again with your beautiful poem/prayer to our Lord.
Rest tonight, you are in my thoughts and prayers!
~withLove.
What a wonderfully written post, Jill. I am so glad that you were able got get things that remind you of your Grandmother and how much you loved her. I hope you have a wonderful night- xo Diana
What a touching post Jill, brought tears to my eyes too, as I remember going through both of my Grandma’s things. I treasure every little item I got, and get so much joy out of decorating and setting my table with their pieces, my parents love seeing them too. Enjoy the day!
This is very sweet. I am sorry for your loss 🙁 I love when I get things from my loved ones that have passed on. The memories that they bring can give some comfort.
Beautiful poem and your post was very thoughtful and well said. I’m sorry you are missing your grandma, but it is a blessing that you are sure of where she is and that you will see her again.
As usual Jill, you are able to write what we feel in our hearts and can’t express as well as you can. I did the exact same thing ten years ago, as I walked for the last time through my grandmothers home. She taught me to love sewing and to have faith that through Christ we will all live again. I am glad you know where she is and that she will be waiting for her loved ones to join her when it is time. I also have some things that I purchased at an estate sale to remind me of my grandmother and to pass on to my children. Thanks for sharing such a personal sweet moment of your life. It was a perfect thing to read about on this Sabbath day. Hugs to you and comfort in your faith.
Thank you Carla! It is bittersweet huh? so happy for wonderful people in my life – makes for great memories!
Beautiful post! So happy you will have pieces in your home to remind you of her!
Blessings,
Cindy
Love you, dear friend. I recently was blessed to take care of the widow that lives in my grandpa’s old house. It was so weird to see someone else’s stuff but in “his” house.
Oh how I remember those times when my grandparents passed away and I walked into their homes for the first time without them there. I remember the longing I felt to have them walk through the door. I could just see my grandmother at the kitchen window where she stood at the sink waiting for us to arrive. All of my grandparents are with the Lord now and I am so thankful I will see them again someday, but it still makes my heart sad when I think of them not being here for me to talk to or to get a hug from. I can still hear my Pa’s deep, gravely voice. I can still feel the soft, cold, chubby arm of my grandmother that I loved to hold onto. I am 44 and would still crawl up in my papa’s lap if he were alive.
Sweet memories…sweet heritage.
Thank you so much for sharing your memories and your love for your grandma. My girls have memories of my mom who went home early to be with Jesus. I hope someday my grandchildren will be blessed the way you have. Beautiful poem.
Clara
Hi Jill, thank you for sharing your sweet memories. She must have been a wonderful grandmother to have been so loved.
Debbie
You put it all so eloquently and now I’m crying too. I love your poem and your memories as well as the wise thoughts on now and eternity.
Liz