Dear Nana: A Poem

Dear Nana,

I hope heaven has all your favorite things,

I want you to know I’m trying to embrace,

Whatever life brings.

But grief is not a line,

So even though my heart aches,

I tell everyone I’m fine.

This year was crazy and a lot of us couldn’t be around,

But this poem is going to be about the ups,

Not the downs.

Remember when I would stay the night?

We would watch Wheel of Fortune,

And compete to see who could get all of the words right.

Trips to the Waffle Shop were a staple,

The waiters all knew our orders,

And we always got a table.

I recall long walks by the lake,

We would talk to the ducks and the geese,

And then run home to see what dessert we should make.

Christmas was when your home turned into all of our holiday dreams and wishes.

The décor, the laughter, and love,

Oh how we couldn’t wait to eat those holiday dishes.

Your stories of family traditions and travel are something I will never forget.

You will always inspire me to not be afraid,

To own my decisions and commit.

Your loyalty to family was something that could never be forgotten,

You stayed strong and true,

Even when life was just plain rotten.

You taught me to not be ashamed of who I am,

Or for not knowing.

That if I have faith,

God will get me to where I am going.

Nana, I am so blessed to have had you for 28 years.

I promise to be brave and try to cast away worries and fears.

I hope you know how much I admire and respect all that you did.

Love You always,

Your First Born Grandkid