This eulogy is one that has been very difficult to compose. Words cannot do justice to recreate or honor my grandmother. She was a mother, grandmother, nurse, caretaker, confidant, wife, partner, and most importantly she was a friend. She was a part of my life before I even entered this world. There is not one memory I have that does not in some way include her. As we gather today to mourn her passing I urge us to remember her in spirit for what she was. She was the steadfast guide whose influence shaped children, grandchildren, and friends. I had the privilege of being able to spend a great deal of time in her presence. One story that she told me while in high school has always stayed with me and speaks volumes for the type of women she was. While working at a state hospital in Michigan there was a patient who lashed out against all the staff and was referred to as the most annoying patients. My grandmother didn't she her this way, rather she saw a human being yearning to be heard. So one night my grandmother sat down and spoke with this person in an empathetic manner. She learned that the women loved lemon moran pie and had true emotions and feelings regarding the hardships in her life. From that night on my grandmother brought this patient a piece of pie and would sit down and listen to her. Other staff members could not understand why she seemed so tamed with my grandmother, which she told me was because "she just wanted someone to talk to and treat her with respect." That was who my grandmother was; she embodied what I wish to be in life. A person who is not judgmental and treats others with gracious respect. As a wife she spent 60 years completely devoted to my grandfather. For those who knew my grandfather he did not always make that easy but she always was her better half. Some may say that their relationship had problems early on; I say their relationship was founded on the purest love that nothing on this earth could exstigiush. Upon the passing of my grandfather I saw her heart break because for the first time in 60 years she did not have her lifelong partner. As a mother she worked two jobs, washed cloths, cooked meals, and provided motherly love like only a person of her character could. During her final years her and her daughter became best friends. Even looking at my mother today it is hard not to see my grandmother next her. A mother becomes a grandmother, a daughter becomes a mother but the mother daughter bond can never be removed. My grandmother showed me and my brother the type of love only expressed by a grandmother. Always a comforting lap to lie on and give a smile that proclaims eternal love and caring. I conclude with a poem that speaks the words I cannot on this day:Grandma ( Augustine Perez )Thank you for the gift of love,now you're sharing it up above.You had many things to say.All in a caring way.You always saw good in everyone,No matter what they've done.You were always the one we could all lean on.Even though it must have felt like a ton.You were always the strength of the family.Now we must let you rest calmly.As we say goodbye,as tears roll down our eyes.I know your place in heaven has a good view.Because you're telling God,I need to keep an eye on a few.I know you will always be in our hearts and mind.So Grandma,I must go, but I'll never forget you're one of a kind.
Source: Paul Michael Short
Added: Nov. 20, 2010