E is for Endings

An Alphabytes Entry

Well, as if by mere release, it's happened. My grandmother (father's mother) passed away in her sleep last night. Congestive Heart Failure. She's been waiting for death for more than a year. I know it has been hard for my dad, letting this go, accepting it. He says he has, but he's not.

In a moment, a life of so many years is over. Ended. Life's cycle churning from beginning to end has reached it's destination. All the items she's owned, the lives she's touched and created are halted. Her daughters have both passed on, one from heart attack, one from a viral infection following hospitalization. Her oldest son died, officially, and was revived. He was the first scare. Her husband, my grandfather fought cancer three times and won. When he died, it was because he was worn out. His body was worn and tired. He was a special man, she was a special woman, the essences of their lives now gone from our lives.

She's had a long and happy life, although she'd outlived her daughters and husband. She's 94. I regret I don't know her better. My job is to mourn her passing, but moreso to be there to help my father pick up the pieces on this end.

After hearing from my uncle about her condition, this song was playing. I've heard it a hundred times, but after teh call, I heard every word, it seemed. I love the message of this song.

100 Years (by Five for Fighting)

I'm 15 for a moment
Caught in between 10 and 20
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are
I'm 22 for a moment
She feels better than ever
And we're on fire
Making our way back from Mars
15 there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to lose
15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live
I'm 33 for a moment
Still the man, but you see I'm a they
A kid on the way
A family on my mind
I'm 45 for a moment
The sea is high
And I'm heading into a crisis
Chasing the years of my life
15 there's still time for you
Time to buy, Time to lose yourself
Within a morning star

15 I'm all right with you
15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live
Half time goes by
Suddenly you’re wise
Another blink of an eye
67 is gone
The sun is getting high
We're moving on...
I'm 99 for a moment
Dying for just another moment
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are
15 there's still time for you
22 I feel her too
33 you’re on your way
Every day's a new day...
15 there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to choose
Hey 15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live

Farewell Helen, if I am granted the passage to heaven, I know I'll see you there!

-30-