Goodbye Grandma

My Great-Grandma Wells was diagnosed with a terrible disease known as Alzheimer's. Although she lost all of her recent memory, and even forgot who I was at the end of her life, I am forever grateful for the time we spent together as she spent her last four years living 2 rooms down from me. We created a bond that will not be broken.

In honor of the anniversary of my Great-Grandmother's death, a letter to her after the disease stole her from me:

Hi Grandma,

It's me. I do not even know where to begin. You died yesterday and I feel like my world has lost it's spark. I remember you telling me that if you ever did die finally to never lose my enthusiasm for living... That seems almost impossible right now. I wanted to write you a letter, so you could remember me in heaven.

There are so many things I wish I could say and I wish I could do with you. I am sorry for starting so late and letting so many years go by without letting you into my life. I wish that I had had more than just four years with you. I am sorry I didn't get there in time to say goodbye. I never wanted to face the truth, that this would actually happen. I did come see you, though you had already passed. I hope you know how much I love you. I hope you know how much I cherish the time we had together and the memories we made.

I'll always remember our dance parties in the living room. Every time Elvis' voice echoed in the room, your feet would start tapping and you started shaking your hips. I remember that when Patsy Cline's beautiful voice filled the air, you would lean your head back, close your eyes, and hum along. I remember sitting next to you and listening to stories of your childhood with your favorite red dress and how much you loved summer, just like me. I miss that. I miss you.

I have learned so much from you. You lived life to the fullest. Even when you were diagnosed with Alzheimer's and had to use the blasted walker, you kept on living and dancing, and singing, and laughing. You continued to fight the disease as long as you could and never gave up. I respect you more than I could ever tell you. You are my hero and one of my best friends.

I will see you again. Have fun while you are up there. Tell Great-Grandpa Chuck and Grandpa Roy hello for me. Save me a spot for my mansion next to yours. I cannot wait to see you again, free of disease and pain. I miss you, grandma, and I always will no matter how many days go by.

I love you, Grandma.

Goodbye.