6 short years, that’s all I was given with you. Those 6 years went by so fast. I guess it’s true what they say, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” My childhood was spent every day seeing your smiling face and playing a hand of cards. I look back and think how special those times were with you. I regret taking them for granted.
I still remember the day like it was yesterday. It just doesn’t seem like it’s been 16 years since you’ve passed. Me and Amanda were still in elementary school when Mom came and picked us up early. We knew you had several doctors’ appointments per week, but at 6 years old you didn’t know any better. I remember the way Nannie's cheeks looked flushed and the uncertainty in her voice. I remember the drive to the hospital. It was more quiet than usual and you could feel the numbness in the car. I remember never being old enough to go up to the floor until that day. I knew deep down something was wrong. We made it to the floor and the sight I saw was unpleasant but I was still unsure. I saw my uncle's, aunt's and cousin's faces covered in tears as people continued to walk in and out of your room. My flashbacks are still so vivid from that day.
I remember the next week. We were checked out early once again and put into black dresses. I was so excited to put on a black sparkly dress; if I only knew where we were really going. The funeral still didn’t make sense to me, either. I was still too young to understand that. I just knew that Grandpa went to heaven. I’m glad I knew I shouldn’t have said goodbye that day because it wasn’t goodbye, it was see you later.
After a few years, I finally understood the events that took place that day. I finally understood what a funeral was and what it was for. I finally understand I had a beautiful guardian angel looking over me. I hate that you didn’t get to see Amanda and me grow up. I hate you didn’t get to see us graduate college or even high school. I hate you won’t get to see us have children or watch them grow up. But I am grateful you are no longer in pain. I am grateful I did get 6 years with you. And I will be forever grateful you were my grandfather. Thank you for the continuous laughs and smiles (and for always sharing your mashed potatoes). The memories I have with you I will cherish forever. We only part to meet again, Pops.
Oh, how we cried the day you left us
We gathered round your grave to grieve.
I wish I could see the angels faces
When they hear your sweet voice sing.
Go rest high on that mountain
Son,your work on earth is done.
Go to heaven a-shoutin'
Love for the Father and the Son.
Go rest high Pops. I’ll be seeing you.
Forever and always,
Your Granddaughter
