THE NEELY HOUSE

I love flying west at sunset...

This past Wednesday, my Grandma passed away. Such shocking news to hear that this vibrant, healthy woman was gone. As many of us wish for ourselves, she had no major health problems and went gently into that good night.

She lived a rich life and always knew how to have a good time. She was the one who introduced me to ballroom dancing. She was a gentle, elegant woman with more class in her little finger than I'll ever have. She was beautiful and always put together. She wouldn't even take the trash out with out fixing her hair, putting her make up on and getting dressed to the 9's. She was gracious and generous. Even though Grandma was a proper lady, she eventually fell victim to my brother's antics... and rather enjoyed them I think :) As Jon, my brother said, I always loved hearing my Grandma laugh. If Grandma laughed, you knew it was funny. Over the last few weeks, even before my Grandma died, I started hearing myself laugh just like her. I hope I can hear that even just a few more times.

Grandpa Joe died 30 years ago. I never knew him. But my Uncle Dan read a song at the funeral, a song that I might have even thought was a little cheesy if I'd heard it on the radio, but that I thought was so pertinent. The last verse is this:
"I know I'm praying for too much,
but could you send back the only man she loved.
I know you don't do it usually,
But Lord, she's dyin' to dance with my father again."
And Uncle Dan said, "So now she gets to dance with dad again." Up until this point, I'd been trying to keep it together for my mother's sake, but that just stole all my composure and I couldn't help but cry. Tears of sadness that she had been without Grandpa for 30 years, but tears of joy at the utter rest and peace she must feel in heaven.

In the limo on the way to the burial, we were all telling stories and laughing. I looked over at the driver and asked,
"Are people usually this talkative and laughing on the way to the burial?"
"Oh, no... people are usually quiet or sobbing or something. I've never had a drive like this!" she said smiling.
I think we were all just glad Grandma is in a better place... glad she is with Grandpa Joe... and glad that she was a part of our lives... and that's not something to mourn, but something to celebrate.

So back to flying west... its like chasing the sun... reminds me of lyrics from the oh so wise Flaming Lips:
"Do you realize that everyone you know someday will die?
And instead of saying all of your goodbyes
Let them know you realize that life goes fast
Its hard to make the good things last
You realize the sun doesn't go down
Its just an illusion caused by the world spinning round."
Death is a part of life and as much sadness and grief as it causes us, its what makes us cherish the people we love. The sweet is not as sweet with out the bitter. So love... and love well... because they could be gone tomorrow.

I love you Grandma. You are one of THE most beautiful women I've ever known. Say hi to Grandpa for me.