"Should You Go First"

Here is a retro picture of me and my grandma circa 1998. We have more recent ones but this was always my favorite because she has her camera in her hand. She ALWAYS chased us down to "have our picture made." This is was in her kitchen.I have some pictures from our recent trip to Tennessee - we had to entertain Jenna - and I will post them later today or tomorrow.

Before I forget, my sister Amy and her husband Jon have a blog now: Leaving Nothing to Chance. Check it out sometime.

This is the poem we found in my grandma's room on her bulletin board. They read it at her funeral.

Should You Go First
by Albert Kennedy "Rosey" Rowswell

Should you go first and I remain,
To walk the road alone,
I'll live in memory's garden, dear,
With happy days we've known.
In Spring I'll wait for roses red,
When fades the lilac blue,
In early Fall when brown leaves call
I'll catch a glimpse of you.

Should you go first and I remain,
For battles to be fought,
Each thing you've touched along the way
Will be a hallowed spot.
I'll hear your voice, I'll see your smile,
Though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping hand
Will buoy me on with hope.

Should you go first and I remain,
To finish with the scroll,
No length 'ning shadows shall creep in
To make this life seem droll.
We've known so much of happiness,
We've had our cup of joy,
And memory is one gift of God
That death cannot destroy.

Should you go first and I remain,
One thing I'd have you do:
Walk slowly down that long, lone path,
For soon I'll follow you.
I'll want to know each step you take
That I may walk the same,
For some day down that lonely road
You'll hear me call your name.

They are together again...