Our family is a tree, with all the branches and leaves leading back to a strong and sturdy woman with roots deep in the ground.  It’s difficult to imagine life without her – the foundation that gave us all life.  Knowing that my own children will never know her, and never be able to feel that embrace.  It makes me sad.

        But then I remember another song, written by Irving Berlin, sung by Ella Fitzgerald:

                         "The moon descended

                         And I found the break of dawn

                         You and the song had gone

                         But the melody lingers on."

        Her body may be gone, but she lives on in the deepest fiber of our being.  Her life and blood and memory live on in us, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and soon to be another great-grandchild.  And long after I’ve passed on, all those qualities that made her my Grandma will linger on in my children’s children’s children.

        We’re her legacy and life’s work, and I’m proud and grateful everyday to belong to such noble blood.

        Whenever you feel the sun’s rays upon your shoulders, you will always know that Helen (Mother, Grandma) is holding you in her own special way, keeping you warm.  God, take care of her up there, and Grandma—don’t cause too much mischief. 

        We will miss you very much.  You are a ray of sunshine—the way you’ve touched everyone’s lives.  Take care and keep on shining.  We love you.

(written and read by John B. Allison, III, grandchild of Helen, at gravesite memoriam on 6-13-05)

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