Farewell

For each child that's born
The morning star rises
And sings to the universe
Who we are
We are our grandmother's prayers
We are our grandfather's dreamings
We are the breath of our ancestors
We are the spirit of God

--Ysaye Barnwell

Jamie's grandfather, Beverly's father is dying. Grandpa has been released into hospice care and his family prepared him a place in his home, where he can look out on the wetlands that he loves and be surrounded by his wife and children and they're all there now walking through that valley with him for as far as they can go.

And we all wait this terrible wait, our hearts breaking for Grandpa and for his wife and children and grandchildren and the great-grandchildren who will never have the opportunity to know him.

Grandpa is 90 years old and has suffered and struggled with alzheimer's for a while now but he has so impressed me with his fortitude and sense of humor and I'll always be grateful for how he and Grandma welcomed me and my girls into their family. They've been so kind to us and treated us so much like a part of the family that we feel a part of the family. Finding Jamie amongst all the people on this planet is my miracle, this amazing man who loves me and my children, this man who is funny and artistic and scientific and I know that some of that, perhaps a lot of that, is Jamie's legacy from his grandfather.

When we talked about the afterlife once, Jamie told me that he likes to think of humanity as a symphony, each person playing a part, adding their own nuances and innovations to the part they play. And then when they're gone, another player takes up their part and carries on where they left off and builds on what the player before them created, carrying their music forward.

We are your dreamings, Grandpa. We see who you are and we'll move forward without you now, but following your example of strength and humor and grace.

May your memory be eternal.