While thinking back on my mother-in-law’s funeral and how it affected our children and grandchildren, I began wondering what parting message I would want to leave for those grieving my death. Our daughter Kari wrote a lovely funeral poem that I have shared with my visitors. My brother-in-law has it hanging on the living room wall, in a small way to keep Mom Mom near. As I sat here at the computer tonight, the following poem came to mind. I want my children and grandchildren to know that I am always with them in spirit, everywhere they go for we are all part of nature. I can’t imagine a nicer way to stay with those we leave behind.

Nana Can’t Be With You

Nana can’t be with you, but remember this…

When you are lonely, curl up your fingers
Feel my hand in yours…

When you are happy, look to the stars
See my shining eyes…

When you are sad, sit in the sun
Feel the warmth of my love…

When you need me, walk in the garden
See me everywhere…

Know that I am with you, always

~ Nana’s Corner ~

Grandchild,
If apples were pears and peaches were plums
and the rose had a different name,
If tigers were bears and fingers were thumbs,
Nana would love you just the same.

~ Anonymous ~

To My Beautiful Granddaughter

Born on 25^th August 2008

When you came into this world, undoubtedly in no hurry
My anxious prayers were answered, no more need to worry
Daddy was a little shocked as he thought you were a “he”
Mummy couldn’t believe you weighed a healthy eight pound three!

On that warm winter Monday, sun shining with skies so blue
I felt blessed to have a granddaughter as beautiful as you
My “Lyla Alexandra” your life has just begun
A little ray of sunshine and so loved by everyone

From the first time I held you, cradled in my arms so sweet
You stole my heart away and have made my life complete
A perfect little granddaughter, a gift from heaven above
My eyes just fill with tears and my heart so full of love

You were only three days old when I was giving you a bath
I was a little clumsy as your mummy looked on and laughed
Though during those precious moments turning to look my way
You were so intent with listening to all I had to say

I think of you every minute and although we are miles apart
Your picture on my computer sure does melt my heart
With the face of little angel so pretty with soft dark hair
Every night before I close my eyes I say a little prayer

We will have fun times together, little holidays as such
I’ll always want to cuddle you and feel your gentle touch
I want to tell you stories and teach you everything
Hear your laughs and giggles whilst dancing as we sing

I have everything I’ve hoped for and will never want for more
I treasure my beautiful family and forever love you all
As a Nana and a granddaughter, our journey has just begun
My heart is yours forever, God bless you little one

Love always

Nana Julie xxx
31^st Aug 2008
Australia
 

Celebrate your aging mother’s or grandmother’s birthday with this beautiful, gentle prayer, A Prayer for a Mother’s Birthday by Henry Van Dyke, in appreciation of her caring for her children and grandchildren.

Lord Jesus, Thou hast known
A mother’s love and tender care:
And Thou wilt hear, while for my own
Mother most dear I make this birthday prayer.

Protect her life, I pray,
Who gave the gift of life to me;
And may she know, from day to day,
The deepening glow of Life that comes from Thee.

As once upon her breast
Fearless and well content I lay,
So let her heart, on Thee at rest,
Feel fears depart and troubles fade away.

Her every wish fulfill;
And even if Thou must refuse
In anything, let Thy wise will
A comfort bring such as kind mothers use.

Ah, hold her by the hand,
As once her hand held mine;
And though she may not understand
Life’s winding way, lead her in peace divine.

I cannot pay my debt
For all the love that she has given;
But Thou, love’s Lord, wilt not forget
Her due reward,–bless her in earth and heaven.

by Henry Van Dyke

Last week I received a request to write a poem from a grandchild to her grandmother (Nana). The grandchild and her family must move away because her Daddy is in the Navy. Her Nana will miss her terribly, as we can all relate to her despair. Being a distant grandparent can be a challenge, but also fun too with the use of technology that is available to us.

This poem, Nana, I’ll Miss You, reassures Nana that her grandaughter won’t forget her because they can visit each other using their computers and webcams making it possible to still have some special moments together. Today’s technology is great for distant grandparenting.

Present the poem and grandaughter’s picture in a frame with a webcam; Nana will be able to feel more connected with her grandaughter and visit with her as often as possible.  Add a digital photo key chain, too, for all those grandchild pictures you’ll send her…she can take it everywhere with her and show everyone easily without carrying a big photo album in her bag!  (click here for my post on web cam and digital key chain information)

For a free webcam program that is very user friendly (use it myself) visit my post Grandparents and Grandchildren Get Closer Together with Eyejot. Visit with each other as often you like using Eyejot! This is great for parents serving in the Armed Forces, too.  Read below the poem for many Distant Grandparenting ideas on staying connected with your grandchild. 

Nana, I’ll Miss You

Far away we must move,
It’s what my Daddy has to do.

The distance shouldn’t matter,
‘Cause our love won’t ever shatter. (more…)

When a grandparent passes, we show our grief in many different ways because we are different from one another. Nana is a special poem, not because it is entitled Nana, but because my mother-in-law, mother of 5, grandmother of 10, great-grandmother of 11, and great-great-grandmother of 4, will soon pass onto Heaven. Because she suffers from Alzheimers, she does not know that her children and grandchildren have visited, weeded her garden, planted her favorite summertime flowers, and said their goodbyes. They will miss her dearly, we all will but we believe she will be in a place where there is no illness, lots of friends, and her long missed husband. We have cried for her loss, her loss of her life as she knew it. At her funeral, we will cry not for her, but for us…for our loss…for our loss of a warm, loving mother and grandmother…our MomMom.

Nana

One single tear
I have not shed,
Not at the funeral or sitting on my bed,
I was not sad, I was not mad.
I did not cry, not one single tear.
Well as I am sitting here on this day,
two years after you went away,
Finally Nana, finally for you,
I will shed one Single Tear.

~ Clairebear ~
“Nana Poem” posted on Alzheimer’s Online Community