“I’m slowing down”
She would say in an apologetic tone
As if her life-speed were an inconvenience
For those around her: Children, grand children, great grand children
As if we were inconvenienced by the
Ever closer end of her earth journey

“I’m getting slower everyday”
Was she asking us to slow down?
To match her speed?
While we have the choice, the option of fast versus slow?
Full speed ahead for us
Or was she trying to tell us what we could
Look forward to at the end of our journeys?

When I am your age Gramma,
I hope I will be able to match your speed
Your love
Your commitment to family
And God
Your attitude
Your servanthood
When I am your age Gramma,
I hope I will be able to slow down
To enjoy my last days on earth
To prepare for my passage to the
New earth, the new life
Life in Heaven, with the
Patient, compassionate master
Who has led you on your journey

It’s okay to slow down. Save your energy Gramma.
You will need it for that final leg of your journey
Your path is one you must take at your speed
God’s speed
When you see his face
You will run, faster than you have ever run
And jump, higher than you have ever jumped
Into his arms
Hands clasped behind his neck
Like a child holding onto a father
His arms will encircle you
Fingers laced to hold you
As he swings you like a
Father swinging a child

Good bye Gramma, Great Gramma, Mom, Mother, Friend

Welcome home, my child,
My Good and faithful servant
I’ve been waiting for you.

Welcome home Nema.