Memorial Poetry
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MY FAMILY ROOM
My Mother was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder August 2001.
It is a one in a million chance disease that affects
mainly young men. "Good Pasture Syndrome." This syndrome
attacks and destroys the kidney and lungs. She was
rushed to the hospital one night last August in
serious condition. She was put on the ventilator and
all kidney function ceased. It was all a mystery to us at first.
We learned through a kidney biopsy what she had. After about
5 weeks in the hospital, she was finally released. Her entire life
now changed by this illness. Instead of going to work, she now
went to dialysis 3 times a week. She was in the hospital at least
once a month. Fluid overflow. She came close to death several
of those times. Later in her illness she developed COPD and
congestive heart failure and had to have dialysis 4 times a week.
This all from a woman that was never sick, hated doctors and was
scared of needles. Somehow she found the inner strength to deal
with all this. She lost her battle with this illness October 3, 2002.
Now she is at peace. No more pain.
Rosa Lee (Rose) G. Payne 
September 22, 1935-October 03, 2002Image of an Angel
When my Mother passed away,
the one thing that bothered me most was
not knowing if she had made peace
with God. I even stated this to several people.
Several weeks before her death she started
humming and singing
"In the Sweet By and By"
She also started talking to her loved one's past.
The day of my Mom's funeral,
someone was taking pictures.
This was after the service. My daughter brought
me a copy of the pictures.
I looked at these several times and just
put them down.
The next Sunday night,
one week after her services,
I was sitting at my computer praying
for a sign that my Mom was OK.
I looked over at the pictures and
picked them up. The first thing I noticed
in one of the pictures was an image
in the background. It was the perfect image of
an Angel. I could not believe it.
I thought that it was something
that I just wanted to see.
I started showing this picture to other
people and they saw it too.
Most I did not have to point it out.
They also noticed a man beside the Angel.
He was looking toward my Mom's casket.
It looked as if he had one leg bent
as if he was walking toward her.
The day before this I was talking to my Sister.
I told her that I just felt that Momma was OK. I couldn't
explain it, but I felt it. I had a really good feeling inside.
Then I found the picture. I believe that I
found my answer for sure that night.
The image did not appear in any other pictures.
We examined the wall, it is not there.
Now I sit and look at this picture
and it brings a smile to my face.
I have my answer.
She Walks In Beauty
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade more, one ray less,
Had half impair'd the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling place.
And on that cheek, and o'er that brow
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
Lord Byron (1788-1824)
Click for enlargement
The Angel on the Wall
I asked for an answer and it did appear
The image that I now hold so dear.
Life goes on is what they say
So much easier now than yesterday
I lost my Mother she has passed
No more sorrow or pain at last
She will be missed I can not deny
She left us behind and reached for the sky.
I asked for an answer and it did appear
The image that I now hold so dear.
We are left to carry on
Feeling sorrow since she has gone
Although we feel so sad and blue
One thing I know is very true
The image of an Angel did appear
Now everything is very clear
I asked for an answer and it did appear
The image that I now hold so dear.
© Teresa L. Gryder