FINAL WORDS

I was in the room when Grandpa died although I couldn’t hear

his final words to Grandma…when he whispered in her ear.

I was too far away and her voice too soft and low

for me to hear what she whispered back…before she let him go.

But once the flood of sadness receded into a slow and steady stream

I asked her what they whispered that day…and immediately she beamed.

“Have I ever told you how I met your Grandpa? She asked.

She smiled, “Then let me now explain….

I was walking home from school one day and it began to rain."

Your Grandpa, grabbed my hand and said, ‘Come with me’.

And we waited out the rain under the shelter of a tree.

The first date we ever had was out to eat and a walk along the beach when

in the middle of our walk it began to rain…again.

There was something about the rain for us…something magical and pure

We couldn’t resist it’s beauty, it’s enchantment…it’s allure. 

He asked me to marry him out in a downpour…

at first I thought he was insane..

‘I was waiting for the right moment,’ he said,

‘I was waiting for the rain'.

And then my grandma smiled and I could feel the love her smile contained…

The last words your grandpa whispered…he said…’I will miss the rain’.

And as he took his final breath and I knew his life was through…

I squeezed his hand and whispered back…I will miss it too.”

Now every time we visit Grandma…my family thinks I’m insane

when I look up at the sky and say…

“I hope we get some rain”.