I imagine she woke up as like she was sleeping. When she opened her eyes he was standing there with outstretched hand. Grandpa. He was dressed in a sport coat, tie and slacks...his Sunday best. He wanted to look nice when she arrived. I can see his smile, he had been waiting a year for her. When Grandma realizes she is really seeing him, she smiles and her eyes glisten. She says, "Oh, Jim". As Grandma took his hand, she got up and walked toward him and they embraced. A long and warm embrace of homecoming. Grandpa said, "Nyla, you look beautiful. You always look beautiful in pink". Grandma was starting to take in her surroundings and she realized...no wheelchair...no MS...and she was with Grandpa again. Joy enveloped her like the warmth of the sun.
Grandpa says to her, "It's time to go, Nyla". She turns to look behind her toward all of us. She is hesitant to leave us, but she can't help the smile on her face and the joy she feels at seeing Grandpa again. He leads her down a long path, like an outdoor wedding with beautiful flowers everywhere. Arm in arm they walk down the path toward a beautiful Sunrise...toward the One who gave her life...who gave us All life. She hesitates again and turns, she loves us all so much. She looks at us with a smile...her girls...her grand-kids and great grandkids...especially the little ones she loved to hold in her lap. Grandpa says, "You'll see them again...I promise".
I imagine along the way they see so many loved ones like Mokey Livermore and Mokey West. They all greet Grandma in hugs and tears of joy. They see Floyd and Virginia Dieker, Uncle Barney and Grandma's Dad...who she hasn't seen for so very long. They all walk together with Grandma and Grandpa who are still arm in arm. They walk toward that Sunrise. Toward Him. Grandpa whispers to Grandma, "He has much to tell you and he wants to Thank You. You gave so much of yourself and expected so very little in return. You lived just as He wanted and He is proud of you." Grandpa turns to her and whispers again, "God promised a place for you and now He wants to show you."
Grandma hugged Grandpas arm a little tighter and they walked together...toward that sunrise...toward Him...together again.
Nyla West - My Beloved Grandma
July 8, 1924 - June 30, 2012
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I love you Grandma. I hope to live my life so that I will get to walk down the path toward that sunrise and see you there waiting for me too. Enjoy your reunion!
--Love, Jackie
