I loved Grandma's farmhouse. I vividly remember spending summers there. She has these wonderful flowers, I don't even know what they are called. But they have purple/blue blooms that are little balls that hang off the stems. I can still see and smell them. In kindergarten I would always draw tulips and Grandma's flowers.

I was only four when she sold the farmhouse. It was after Grandpa died. I knew they were selling it and I remember the last day I was there. It was in the summer. I helped Grandma shell peas, it was so fun. She paid me a quarter and I was so excited that I had made that much for doing something so fun. Picking up sticks at home was not fun and I only got paid a penny a stick.

I remember a lot of things from the farmhouse. I remember sitting at the kitchen table and Grandma asked me the first riddle I remember.
What is black and white and red (read) all over?
I remember guessing a potholder.
I was amazed when Grandma told me the answer.

She always had something really good to eat. Rhubarb pie, or ice cream sandwiches. Lisa and I always sat in the heat of the day eating something yummy with Grandma.

I remember sewing at her house. I remember first hearing of a sesame seed at her house. I remember spending the night and waking up every hour because of the cuckcoo clock.

I remember her house in town, playing for hours with her nativity set. Eating Cinnamon Toast Crunch for the first time. Dumping packets of sugar into my rootbear that I drank out of the little chinese cups. Grandma let us make 'houses' out of the couch cushions.

When I got home from school this tuesday, Mom told me. She said how in the morning she had seen the most beautiful sunrise and thought it looked like you could just walk right into heaven. It turned out that's what Grandma did.

I noticed the sky too, on my way to school.

At the funeral, I could not believe that I wouldn't ever get to see Grandma again. I couldn't believe I wouldn't get to hear her laugh again. But I can still see her smiling, and I can still hear the happiness in her voice.

As I sat at the visitation, I suddenly knew without a doubt that there was a heaven. And that Grandma was there with Grandpa. I thought of how weird it was that we leave our bodies behind, but our selves continue elsewhere. I stood in front of the casket and thanked Grandma silently for the wonderful family she has, and for me being lucky enough to be part of it. I thanked her for rasing my dad, and for caring about us so much. I thanked her for her kindness and love. I promised her I would never forget her.

After the burial the family went back to her house, and I realized that Grandma is still here. We are all still here.