A Rainy Day

This is my part of the eulogy for dear mama at her funeral:

Good Morning, my name is Krys and I am the second to the oldest grandchild of mama.

On behalf of all of my grandmother’s grandchildren, I’d like to thank all of you for visiting with us the past few days. It was very comforting to have you here with us.
Even though mama was ill for some time, we expected this day to come soon. However – it didn’t make today an easier.
She was a great woman in her day! So as her body is laid to rest - I don’t want you to remember her like this – nor the way she was when she was ill. Because that was not who she was!
Remember the woman who I recall being so stubborn when she had her mind set on something. On several occasions she’d tell me, “I can do it! I’m strong – you know Christine – if there’s a will there’s a way!” And you know what – she’d do it!
I remember her going on her daily walks around the block. She was also very conscientious about what she would eat. She had a lot of discipline when it came to exercise and being healthy – now that I think about it – I should have paid more attention to that!
This woman was very independent. I was about 10 yrs old or so and I went on my first bus ride ever & it was with mama. She needed to buy something from Fedco but no one was available at the time – but she didn’t let that stop her!
Posture was also very important to mama. When we were much younger, I remember her telling us to always sit up and stand up straight. If she ever caught us hunched over – she’d poke our backs with no mercy! She’d say, “Look at me – I’m much older than you but my back is straight!”
My grandmother is someone I am very proud of. She was truly a great woman. She was the perfect example of strength, determination, discipline, courage – and oh, good posture! She was a godly woman, a devout catholic up to the end. I know that her legacy will continue with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
So I hope that in some way she had also touched your lives in some way. Be it – cooking something for you when you came to visit, listening to you when you needed a friend, giving you advice in your time of need, celebrating with you, or even as simple as sewing on a button for you.
I’d like to share this poem with you. It’s not something I wrote – just something I came across the other day.

A Rainy Day
Things are not as bad

As they now may seem to be

Your life will still go on

Even though it’s without me

These are not tears of sadness on

this day of rain

Please look at them as tears of joy

For I am now free of pain

You can not know the freedom

Or the peace that I now feel

I hope this is some comfort

As you all now learn to deal

The battle now is over

And in many ways I’ve won

While you might think it is raining

I am warm amidst the sun

Love,

Krys Strong

A Drop of Love Photo courtesy of www.flickr.com