Grandmother

Grandmother on a winter's day,
milked the cows and fed them hay,
slopped the hogs and saddled the mule,
and got the children off to school.

She did the washing and mopped the floor,
washed the windows and did some chores,
cooked a dish of sun-dried fruit,
pressed her husband's Sunday suit.

Swept a parlor, made the bed,
baked a dozen loaves of bread,
split some firewood and lugged it in,
enough to fill a kitchen bin.

Stewed some apples she thought would spoil,
cleaned the lamps and put in oil,
cooked a supper that was delicious,
and afterward, she washed the dishes.

Fed the cat, sprinkled the clothes,
mended a basket full of hose.
Then opened the organ and began to play
to mark the end of a perfect day.

--Author Unknown

In loving memory of my Gram...
Mary Irene Critchfield
December 4, 1902 - January 3, 1999

Gram recited this poem at a very special Christmas gathering several years ago. It was the last time she had the pleasure of having all her family with her at Christmas. I am so glad that I caught it on video. And I'm happy to have the opportunity to share her beloved poem with you. Gram was one of the many "roses" in my garden of friends. And I thank her for the many lessons she taught me about life over the years. Her wisdom was never-ending, and her heart was always open to anyone who cared to take a peek inside. She is truly missed but not forgotten. Who would have ever guessed that her son, Calvin, would pass on into God's hands two days before his mother? What a meeting that must have been when she arrived at heaven's door and he was there to greet her!

When through the woods and forest glades I wander,and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees...

When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur and feel a gentle breeze, it's then I know that Gram and Calvin are with me, and feel their spirits reaching down to touch me from above.

I love you, Gram. And I miss you bunches and bunches. But I know you are in a better place and in very good company, with Calvin, one of my favorite people in the whole wide world.

May you both rest in peace, together.

Click on the letter to send me a note! I'd love to hear from you.