DEAR GRANDDAUGHTER
(written for my internet friend, Jean)
by Mariane Holbrook
I wanted to tell you the pride that I felt
When you walked down the aisle toward your groom.
Your head was held high and your shoulders were squared.
There was not a dry eye in the room.
Your dad was not there to escort you today,
But you can be sure of his love.
I’m sure Jesus gave him a good front row seat
As he watched you from heaven above.
Your mother still rests in that stark, sterile room
Unware that today you were wed.
But she is well cared for and slowly improves
As she lies in that hospital bed.
I’m glad that your wedding went on as you’d planned,
For your parents would want it that way.
If ever you needed a strong, loving man
You needed it, dear one, today.
The driver was drinking; he lost all control
When his car crossed the line on the road.
The impact was loud and your parents thrown out
Just in time for their car to explode.
Your daddy, my firstborn, was so dear to me,
That my heart seemed to break at the news
That his life had been lost in that terrible crash
While the driver had nary a bruise.
Your mother will live, doctors told me today,
Though she won’t be the same as before.
But I’m willing to help you to care for her, dear,
I’ll do all that I can; even more!
The gown that you wore once belonged to your mom
As she, too, walked this same center aisle.
Like you, she was lovely and charming and sweet
When your daddy broke out in a smile.
It’s been just a month since your Grandpa passed on,
And now that I’ve lost my son, too,
You might say I’ve lost all that’s been dear to me
But I still have my Jesus and you.
And though you’ve no siblings to help you right now,
As you start this new life that’s brand new,
Remember your Grandma is just down the road
And Jesus will see us both through.
