I was asked to write a poem to read at her funeral. I also talked about her life, legacy, and her future, but I will only post the poem here. She signed all of our birthday/Christmas cards with her trademark XXXOOO. As we were sorting through her paperwork earlier this week, I found a birthday card she had written to me in March (my birthday is in November). Her final XXXOOO sent my way, until we meet again. (Interesting, considering the title of my tribute poem.)
XXX
OOO
From Heaven’s Angel of Cards
In Corning, 1930, her first breaths were taken,
She grew into a woman, too tough to be shaken.
A Lillis native, then on to Frankfort, her primary residence,
With two brothers, sisters, niece, and Ed and Vera, her parents.
To giving quarters to the quietest grandkid in the car,
Or spending every waking moment down at the bar.
Is how we remember her, healthy and whole,
An exceptional woman with a lovely soul.
Though her life paths were treacherous and the journey was involved,
It molded her into a woman of admirable courage and willful resolve.
The sands of time surrounded her for seventy-five years,
Polishing her astounding character to become shiny and clear.
The extra time God gave us, allowed us to say our goodbyes,
Though we know He was calling her home, to heaven on high.
We longed for a few more good weeks, to make her dreams come true.
A trip to Vegas and one more KU game to cheer the red and blue.
Our hearts are heavy-laden, but we will always remember her impact on our lives.
Her generosity and love, and to be a fighter like her, may we always strive.
Longing to hear her wisdom and the sound of her voice, we may dial 4272,
But she will not answer, so we’ll send our messages to heaven, care of you.
As her daughter brushed away her final stream of tears and professed her love,
Those mementos of misery were laid to rest, while her spirit soared above.
Her family has not lived without her presence for even a day,
Knowing she’s gone leaves a gaping hole in every way.
We can’t seem to fathom life without her here.
Help us, Lord, to celebrate her life and keep her memories near.
But God welcomed her home with an amazing party and feast.
And sang her an original song that rang from heaven’s west to east.
He danced with her in fields full of colors we’ve never seen in any story,
But with every breath we will miss her until our reunion in heaven’s glory.
OOO
From Heaven’s Angel of Cards
In Corning, 1930, her first breaths were taken,
She grew into a woman, too tough to be shaken.
A Lillis native, then on to Frankfort, her primary residence,
With two brothers, sisters, niece, and Ed and Vera, her parents.
To giving quarters to the quietest grandkid in the car,
Or spending every waking moment down at the bar.
Is how we remember her, healthy and whole,
An exceptional woman with a lovely soul.
Though her life paths were treacherous and the journey was involved,
It molded her into a woman of admirable courage and willful resolve.
The sands of time surrounded her for seventy-five years,
Polishing her astounding character to become shiny and clear.
The extra time God gave us, allowed us to say our goodbyes,
Though we know He was calling her home, to heaven on high.
We longed for a few more good weeks, to make her dreams come true.
A trip to Vegas and one more KU game to cheer the red and blue.
Our hearts are heavy-laden, but we will always remember her impact on our lives.
Her generosity and love, and to be a fighter like her, may we always strive.
Longing to hear her wisdom and the sound of her voice, we may dial 4272,
But she will not answer, so we’ll send our messages to heaven, care of you.
As her daughter brushed away her final stream of tears and professed her love,
Those mementos of misery were laid to rest, while her spirit soared above.
Her family has not lived without her presence for even a day,
Knowing she’s gone leaves a gaping hole in every way.
We can’t seem to fathom life without her here.
Help us, Lord, to celebrate her life and keep her memories near.
But God welcomed her home with an amazing party and feast.
And sang her an original song that rang from heaven’s west to east.
He danced with her in fields full of colors we’ve never seen in any story,
But with every breath we will miss her until our reunion in heaven’s glory.
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