The Memory of Love

 

Long ago… it seems so very long ago,

Six grandparents had I, to watch me learn and grow.

They were the family I’d been given, spread across this land.

And though I had no siblings, my heart could understand:

 

There was love… from God above.

There was peace and joy and laughter.

There was hope from heaven’s Dove.

And in spite of what came after,

There was always… a memory… of love.

 

Years went by… they seemed to go so very fast.

Five grandparents had I, because it couldn’t last.

The ceaseless march of time was knocking on my family’s door.

And though I felt immortal, my heart would soon lose more.

 

But there was love… from God above.

There was joy and peace remaining.

Hope was all we could think of.

Though death seemed like it was gaining,

There was always… the memory… of love.

 

Time marched on… and Grandpa Bob was next to go.

Four grandparents had I remaining here below.

We cared for Tiny and for Nancy as best as we could.

For they were both my grandmas, and both would be for good.

 

And there was love… from God above.

There was peace for the beholder.

There was hope to be proud of.

Though we each were growing older,

There was always… the memory… of love.

Then one year… I woke to find three more were gone.

One grandparent had I who had not yet moved on.

The passing of my mother’s parents, grandma Tiny too,

Signified a shift in generations would ensue.

 

But was there love… from God above?

Was there peace and joy to lead us?

Was there hope to take hold of?

As they all went home to Jesus,

Was there still… a memory… of love?

 

Since that year… the Lord has blessed me with my own.

Two little boys, but wow how they’ve already grown!

And Grandma Nancy got to see them, starting life anew.

I thank the Lord in heaven that they got to meet her too.

 

For there is love… from God above.

There is peace and joy and laughter.

There is hope to teach them of.

As time ever marches after,

There is always… the memory… of love.

 

Here today… we come together one last time,

To honor Nancy Braden, the last one left in line.

She was the final member of that generation great.

Now she joins the rest in heaven with rejoicing at the gate!

 

And there is love… with God above.

There is peace beyond all measure.

There is hope worth dreaming of.

As new children are our treasure,

There is always… the memory… of love.

 

~ R. Samuel Braden (October-2022)