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gratitude
by Jared Fladelandon the last day of my grandmother's life,
we shared a moment:
her hands, blue,
were icy to the touch.
I was sitting beside her,
cycling between careful observation
and tearful prayers,
unable to touch her at times
because her skin was overly sensitive
from the medication.
she was mumbling
to angels, her brothers and sisters,
and with a sudden burst of strength,
she grabbed my hand.
I placed my other hand on top to warm it up
and a large smile spread across her face.
my grandma was beyond looking at anyone particular,
or talking much to those who were alive,
but for a brief moment, she either recognized my touch
and was comforted,
or she took my hand as that of someone in the next life,
helping easing her along to a more peaceful place.
She passed about an hour later,
but I will always be grateful
for that moment when she squeezed my hand
and smiled. 04/16/2007 Author's Note: In Memory: Norma Paulson. 1930-2007.
Posted on 04/16/2007
Copyright © 2025 Jared Fladeland
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 04/16/07 at 02:11 PM A heart warming tribute. She was lucky to have you there with her. |
| Posted by Elizabeth Jill on 04/20/07 at 02:54 PM This is one of the most beautiful poems about passing on that I've ever read. Most assuredly, she is reading it with her hand over your shoulder. {{{{{ HuG }}}}} —Jill |
| Posted by Michelle Angelini on 04/21/07 at 05:37 PM Jared, what a beautiful memory to keep of your grandma. I'm sure she's watching over you from her place in heaven. It was good that you got to say good-bye to her like you did.
~Chelle~ |
| Posted by Joan Serratelli on 05/03/07 at 11:51 AM A beautiful, touching, heartfelt tribute to a woman you obviosly loved. I lost my Mom 3 weeks ago. This really brought the last day back.
Congrats on POTD- well deserved! |
| Posted by Kyle Anne Kish on 05/03/07 at 09:43 PM A beautiful read, Jared, and a wonderful tribute to your grandmother. |
| Posted by Kristine Briese on 05/04/07 at 02:17 AM A very sweet and loving memorial. Excellent choice for Poem of the Day. |
| Posted by Meghan Helmich on 05/04/07 at 05:58 PM ah, i'm sorry. i had this moment with my grandmother, too. |
| Posted by Katerina T Nix on 05/05/07 at 04:11 AM It has taken me a long time to comment on this poem, I know. I felt I really couldn't because it is so personal. But now I leave this comment to say congratulations on POTD. There is no one who deserves it more :) Well done. |
| Posted by Scott Utley on 12/16/08 at 10:40 PM oh very young so very wise |
| Posted by Ava Blu on 01/19/09 at 08:40 PM This very much reminds me of my own grandmother's death, though I was the coward who didn't go to her side. Wonderful poem. |
| Posted by Charles M Harrison on 08/13/09 at 01:06 PM This brings back memroies of my wife's Gandmother when she passed. And also of my Mother who passed 1 year and 2 months ago. Very touching. |
| Posted by V. Blake on 11/30/09 at 07:16 AM Here's a 14th perfect rating for this really powerful piece. It was especially interesting to read with American Beauty fresh in mind. Amazing write, and sorry for your loss. |
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