Saying Goodbye

(Grandma Sally and Nico, Memorial Day 2014)

On February 18, 2001 (14 years ago today, actually), my Grandpa Schwartz, my Dad's Dad, died.  After over 50 years of marriage, living without my Grandpa for the last 14 years was probably the hardest thing my Grandma Sally had ever done. How perfect it is then that on the anniversary of his passing she should be with him again. 14 years was long enough to have to be apart.

Most of my life was spent growing up less than a mile from my Grandparents, and I was often told how lucky I was, and I never took it for granted. Lots of laughs, games, and baking. Easter always meant she made too many hard boiled eggs than an army could eat just so we could have more to dye. She made or (later, when baking became more difficult) bought our birthday cakes each year. At Christmas, the question wasn't whether she would make a pie, but (1) how many and (2) what kinds? So many stories and sweet memories.

I haven't been able to get these song lyrics out of my head. Yes, they may be from a movie with Muppets, but the sentiment is spot-on. 

Saying goodbye, going away
Seems like goodbye's such a hard thing to say
Touching a hand, wondering why
It's time for saying goodbye
Saying goodbye, why is it sad?
Make's us remember the good times we've had
Much more to say, foolish to try
It's time for saying goodbye
Don't want to leave, but we both know
Sometime's it's better to go
But somehow I know, we'll meet again
Not sure quite where, and I don't know just when
Your in my heart, So until then
It's time for saying goodbye
Somehow I know, we'll meet again
Not sure quite where, and I don't know just when
Your in my heart, So until then
Wanna smile, wanna cry
Saying goodbye...

Love you, Grandma. You will be missed.