The Memory of You

My beautiful grandmother died in 1976 and a part of me left with her.  I mourned long and hard, and only years later did I come to terms with life and death...  

Life is changed, not ended! 

The Memory of You

My heart warms within me when I think of the days
that we had together; how I loved all your ways
Your faith and your love of God each day you shared
and with tender affection you showed me you cared.
You taught me to sing and to laugh and to cry
and to always be happy and to reach for the sky.
Your songs and your stories we knew were all true
and they'll live forever in the memory of you.

But your death, though expected, broke promises made:
that we'd go together and stand in the shade
of the Blood Red Rose Tree and O'Donnell Aboo.
Now these heroes of old are all standing with you.
And I envy those who are close by your side
but your presence is dear to me though you have died.
For our dreams, joys and plans for the things that we'd do
continue forever in the memory of you.

There were days in my childhood when I cried bitter tears
as I learned Ireland's history and her scars through the years.
Then we'd bind up those wounds with a song and a smile;
you nourished me with love - but just for a while.
As the years flew and we knew - closer we became -
for Jesus was coming to call you by name.
And our hearts weaved together as you time was due
and I'll live forever with the memory of you.

Now I stand by your grave and I fall to my knees
and I pray to our God and I beg Him: "Lord please
keep my mind on the thought of her being with You,
and not here below me but living anew.
O Lord strengthen the joy that she gave to me,
keep Irish eyes, smiling as she'd have it be."
I give thanks for those happy years, many - yet few,
and I live, Grandmother, with the memory of you.
My heart filled forever with the memory of you.

Copyright 1977 Cait Finnegan