The Speech

Grandma, me with Lorelei, letting me know she was irritated (GOOD GIRL!) and Mom. 4 Generations of Stubborn Women

Dearest Grandma, you and Grandpa are reunited now for the first time since 1988.
Dearest Grandma. I'm not saying goodbye. I'll mourn that you aren't here...the sunny presence, the cooking, the constant "Are You Hungrys"...
Grandma, I won't say good bye.
I'm saying goodnight, Dear Friend, Third Parent, Teacher, chef, nurse...
You were more than a 17 year old bride married in a priest's house to a Lutheran who fought in WWII. More than a Westinghouse employee, helping build electronics, and ironically driving my friends stinky great uncle (small world, huh?) home. More than a Grandma... you were Grandma to me, Jeff, Brit, Brandon, and to Jilly-Bean, and her son, our beautiful nephew.
You constantly begged for pics, and Jilly-Bean was happy to oblige if I didn't have all the people depicted... you thought the Darling Boy in his swim trunks, was handsome.
You taught me a poker face, although I never quite figured out poker! You let me be me, got books, spoiled me, and loved me.
Dearest Grandma...
Barvch Dayan Emes. I love you. Rest now, sweet Grandma.
Goodnight, farewell, 'til I see you again.
Mmmhmm I want to linger
Mmmhmm a little longer
Mmmhmm a little longer here with you
Mmmhmm as the years go by
Mmmhmm I will remember
mmmhmm that tonight is goodnight, and not goodbye.