It’d been years since Grandma died and our family was totally engrossed
in a conversation remembering her…and the things we missed the most.
Her smile was mentioned often…her laughter…how she was always the first to share,
the hugs she so freely gave…the aroma of cookies in the air.
Then our attention turned to Grandpa…who smile and with a wave of his hand
Said, “Yes, I miss all those things too…but I mostly miss our AND.”
"It’s hard to describe the feeling.” he said. “I imagine one day you’ll understand
but in all the years we were together we were connected by our AND.”
“After we were married…which now seems so long ago…
we were called Joe and Sarah…sometimes Sarah and Joe.”
“And when we started our family…the two of us were glad…
to add to Sarah and Joe…our new names…Mom and Dad.”
“Next we were called Grandma and Grandpa…when you grandchildren came along.
names your grandma loved to say were the words to her favorite song.”
A tear dropped on to Grandpa’s cheek…which he wiped away with his hand…
“Yes of all the things I miss about your grandma.” He smiled.
“I mostly miss our AND."