Grandama Johnson passes away- the end of an era

It's the beginning of the year 2010, and already there has been much to write about. My grandmother, Eva Johnson, passed away on January 25, 2010. She was such an amazing woman. She died at the mature age of 91, having lived a full and rewarding life. I told my mother to give Grandma a message for me as I was unable to be there before she died. I told her that all my life I have been watching her and she has always been a great example to me. Although, she is laying in a hospital bed after having a stroke and feels very tired and worn out, I see her as being triumphant. She has finished her assignment here in the mortal world and it's time to return to her heavenly home. On the day she died, along with some tears, I envisioned her being reunited with Grandpa and looking young and beautiful. They were sweethearts for so long in this life, I imagine it was hard to be apart for so long. The best part is the lasting legacy that she (and Grandpa)left behind. 6 children, 37 grandchildren, 109 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

Gone From My Sight
by Henry Van Dyke

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until; at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone." Gone where? Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,hull and spar as she was when she left my side. And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me-not in her. And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone," there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"