REST IN PEACE, MAMA

In 2009 my beloved grandmother battled her way back from severe pneumonia, proving that some doctors don't always know what they're talking about. After days in intensive care, she and death butted heads and death turned tail and ran in the opposite direction. That time wasn't her time, the old bird proving that a fighting spirit can surpass the insurmountable.

Sadly, death came back for a second try and this time he won. Yesterday, the old woman took her last breath shortly after midnight as I sat by her bedside, holding tight to her hand. Although I called myself prepared for the inevitable, I was ill-prepared to wish my dear granny goodbye. And despite the depths of my faith, God's will was clearly not my will.

My heart is broken now that she is gone and I have to wonder if it will ever again be whole. Next week we will celebrate her life and wish her a final farewell. And although my beloved grandmother could be a prickly pain in my left cheek, I would give anything to hold my grandma's hands just one more time.

Rest in peace, Mama.

Susie Musethel Fletcher Cole

March 5, 1921 - February 23, 2012

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