Dear Grandma | Joyce M Sanders

As I soundly slept one night,
I felt a hand upon my back.
I awoke, startled, then saw an image
of a world fading to black.

I glanced at the clock and went back to sleep,
for I could not have known
the hand touched me at the moment
the Lord had called you home.

Was the hand that of the Lord
informing me you were gone?
Was it you telling me good-bye,
asking me to carry on?

I’d love to carry on your legacy
and take your goodwill to new lengths.
I ask only that you bequeath to me your love,
compassion, patience, and strength.

If I could be half the woman you were,
in my life I could never fail.
Please watch over me from Heaven
and let me know if I’ve done well.

Please give me the heart to be the loving person
you inspired me to be,
so that I may someday join you
on your heavenly journey.