Eulogy for Grandma

This is the eulogy I gave for my Grandma at her funeral Sept. 9, 2009. I've been asked to make this public in the past, and have finally decided to do so. Needless to say, she was an incredible person. She was the brightest light in my life and I miss her every single day.

Dear Grandma,

It's still very hard to believe you're gone. Everyone has gathered today to say our goodbyes and honor you in the best way we can. You are incredibly special to everyone who's ever met you. You are one-of-a-kind and we all miss you terribly.

I know that you are happy now where you are. I can only imagine how joyous the reunion was with all the family members you've lost over the years. Please enjoy them and don't be sad for us.

You gave everything you had and more to make us all as happy as possible, and now it is finally your turn. Your sacrifices did not go unnoticed. Your love is forever appreciated and valued more than you may ever know. I can only hope your reward is eternal happiness in Heaven with all those you cared so much for.

Grandma, the greatest reward in my life is knowing you. Nothing in the world could ever replace one second of the time I was lucky enough to spend with you.

I can never forget spending the night at your house, watching you make cookies out of Corn Flakes and "ducks" out of milk cartons. I can see you hanging laundry in your yard and ceaselessly tending to your plants and flowers. I know how much you enjoyed them.

I loved just to sit and talk with you about anything, no matter how trivial. You always had time for me. You were never too busy and you never pushed me away.

You held me and hugged me saying, "always be a good boy." You patched up my skinned knees and fixed all my broken toys.

You cooked for me and cleaned up after my messes without a thought of a thank you. You laughed with me when I was happy and hugged me so warmly when I was sad. You always told me, "everything will be alright."

I close my eyes and I see a green-eyed woman in a summer dress. She holds a cup of coffee and smiles kindly.

She's an angel in house slippers and tinted glasses. She was an angel long before today.

God had a special plan for you, Grandma. I think He knew that Heaven couldn't ever really be Heaven without you. I don't know why He waited so long to call you home, but I'm so thankful that He did.

I love you and cherish you with all my heart. I see you in the sunshine and I feel your presence in every warm breeze.

You sit now upon puffy clouds set against blue summer skies. You are still with us all.

Grandma, please watch over all of us; but if I can ask for one more thing, it's that you please watch over Mom. She's the best Mom anyone could ask for. She gave up everything to care for you in your last days with us, and she needs you now more than ever.

Please stay in her heart and give her some of the strength you had. She embodies everything you stood for: Putting everyone else ahead of ourselves and our own wants or needs.

Thank you for all your kindness and sweet words. Thank you for your smiles and your hugs. Thank you for the funny stories and all the wonderful food you cooked.

Thank you for always thinking of everyone else long before you ever thought of yourself. Thank you for making our lives far more special than they ever could have been without you.

Please go home to your beloved mother, husband, brother and sister.

I love you more than anything else in this world and I'll see you again someday.