Why is my grandma still alive at ninety-seven,
Some days it seems she is only eleven.
Why did you trust me with her care,
Bathing, dressing, and combing her hair.
What is it here on earth she has left to do,
Could it be that she wants more time with me and you?
Bringing her to our humble home got protective services called.
Upon their investigation even they were appalled.
That a family member would even dare,
Seeing how much love we wanted to share.
You see some hearts grow very cold,
Toward those who have become old.
Put her in a nursing home on the governments dime,
We shall visit her on holidays and from time to time.
Feeble and weak they are of no use,
To those who took for granted, was simply abuse.
She cannot babysit, clean, or cook,
But she still loves to read a book.
Her mind is as sharp as a tack,
It is only her strength that she does lack.
Thank You Lord for my daddy on earth,
That loves his momma and knows her worth.
In me he instilled family values and love,
To cherish all the Blessing from above.
In his care I know she would be,
But years of hard work he is paying the fee.
He did his best to pay someone well,
So that at home she could always dwell.
But a fall and a hit to the head,
The doctors announced soon she would be dead.
Forty-seven weeks later she is still here,
Thanks to all the ones who lifted a prayer.
It was always her family she took such care,
Watching her with strangers I could not bare.
Thank You Lord for such a small part,
I will always treasure it deep in my heart.
Guide and direct me in the days ahead,
As she spends more time sleeping in bed.
Give me wisdom to comfort her too,
On the days she seems down and blue.
Strength to help get her from bed to chair,
for another fall she fears and cannot fair.
Thank You Lord for my husband so dear,
For his help, support, love, and calming all fear.
Our house is simple and very small,
But the love inside is wall to wall.
The laughter we share being shot by her toy gun,
Nothing can compare it is so much fun.
Each day with her is a blessing from above,
The memories we are making fills us with love.
When you come to take her from this earth,
Heaven bound we are assured by her salvation and rebirth.
Oh what a void we all shall feel,
Don’t take a day for granted for she is with us still.
It’s not the challenge of caring for her that I fear,
But the regrets of missing out on someone so dear.
Some days are really really good,
Other days we struggle with a bad mood.
One thing I can say without a doubt,
Regrets I will have none because I did not miss out.
Vicki L Kilgore: written July 22, 2015
In memory of my Grandma Drucilla Bishop
Nov. 23rd 1917 to Feb. 2nd 2016