Ardith is gone...

I have been away for a time. My grandmother, Ardith, has been gravely ill. She passed away this week, on October 15th at 1:17 a.m. and I was at her side. I had been with her for the last week of her life, only leaving her hospital room to shower or grab a quick bite to eat. I'm so thankful to have had that time with her. She knew I was there and that brings me some peace.

I inherited her green eyes, her feet and her legs. She lived an exceptional life and someday soon I will share some of it with you. For now, I will leave you with a poem by Emily Dickinson...

If you were coming in the fall,
I'd brush the summer by
With half a smile and half a spurn,
As housewives do a fly.

If I could see you in a year,
I'd wind the months in balls,
And put them each in separate drawers,
Until their time befalls.

If only centuries delayed,
I'd count them on my hand,
Subtracting till my fingers dropped
Into Van Dieman's land.

If certain, when this life is out,
That yours and mine should be,
I'd toss it yonder like a rind,
And taste eternity.

But now, all ignorant of the length
Of time's uncertain wing,
It goads me, like a goblin bee,
That will not state its sting.