Ever since we had to say goodbye,
you haven’t been far from my thoughts,
not for one single minute.
I still grieve,
more for me than for you,
because I know that you are where
you always longed to be.
And I’ve never looked so forward
to the day I join you there.
I remember back to when you welcomed
me into your family, not as a step-grandchild,
but as your blood. I never felt otherwise.
Growing up as a part of your family
has been the best thing that has ever
fallen into my lap. Our family is so
tightly-knit that not even a knitting needle
could come between us. And it is that way
because of you.
I’ve never been so scared as when I got the call
that I needed to come home. I went to be with my
brother while everyone except the children went
to the hospital to stand by your side.
But you have always been, and I don’t doubt
ever will be, the strongest woman I’ve ever known.
You pulled through.
For two years, we watched you fight,
but we all knew that in the end, the chemo
didn’t do anything other than give you
a few more months. But, I’m grateful.
We all are.
And last August, I came to your bedside.
I said goodbye and kissed your cheek,
and I like to think that you heard my words.
I got a call the next morning-
I shouldn’t have gone back
to my apartment the night before.
By the time I reached your house,
you had already gone to the Lord.
During the months that have followed,
I’ve pulled strength from you.
I remind myself that I come from
a strong family, and I am the
granddaughter of the best woman
I’ve ever know.
I can barely go through a day
without some tears,
even after almost six months.
I miss you with more depth
than I even knew was within me.
I miss you so much, and love you,
Grandma.
You always have been,
and ever will be,
the strongest and most loving
woman I’ll ever know.

For More by Eva Ohil:

Magic Descends With the Night

A Dream Lost

Blooming

Fearless

Love Is Different Than I Thought It Would Be

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