For Grandma

A yellow rose,
So bright and true,
Our favorite flower
Both me and you;

Your smile, your laugh,
A kiss or a wave,
The "Hello, Darlin' "
You always gave;

The X's and O's
On the cards that you sent,
The hugs that you gave
Wherever you went;

The summer evenings
Out at the lake,
The famous fruit salad
You would always make;

Christmases, Birthdays,
BBQ's in the sun,
We always knew
That you would come;

Your handmade gifts,
Your open home,
Your welcoming heart
To everyone;

Fishing trip moments,
Your raspberry canes,
Dressing up in your jewelry,
Visiting you, in sunshine or in rain;

A rocking chair,
A grandbaby held,
A bead of glue
To our family's weld;

A classic song,
That Grandpa wrote,
Signing your pup's name
On all of your notes;

Learning from you to crochet,
And also to paint,
Each little memory,
No matter how faint;

Condensed in a blossom,
A bright yellow bud,
A statement so awesome
Of the life that was;

Our cheerful flower
That bright yellow rose
Will always remind me
Of times like those.


Written for my Grandmother, Betty Tilghman, upon her death - March 2012