Grandma has my wish

Page 16

It was coming up to Christmas of 1995. I couldn't wait. I was going to Grande Prairie in a week to see my Grandma. She had been sick since November. She had diabetes and had just come out of the hospital.My family went to Grande Prairie to see her for Christmas.

Christmas was wonderful. A great big turkey, and my favorite - potatoes and gravy! Grandma made it the best!

Everyone was there for Christmas: my sister Jody, my mom Heather, Brandy, Sheila, Boysis, my cousins, my uncle Jason and the rest of the family.

I got a beautiful sweater from my Grandma, which I still have. It was the best Christmas anyone could ever have!

After Christmas we went back home to Calgary. Grandma got more sick every week. We went to see her every month. I missed lots of school, but I caught up. Grandma was always in the hospital. I loved my Grandma and I missed her terribly.

It was a beautiful sunny afternoon in Nov. 1996 when I heard we had to go see my Grandma. She was getting even more sick. We were only supposed to be gone for a week. It turned out to be two months. That's when I learned my Grandma was dying. I cried myself to sleep each night, wondering if Grandma was really going to die.

I went to school in Grande Prairie.

School was just about over because of the Christmas holidays. It was Thursday, and we had our last day on Friday. A friend of mine walked up to me. He told me to get my sister Jody and my cousin Sheila, who also went to that school. He said we had to go to the hospital. It was my Grandma.

When I reached my Grandma's hospital room, my mom came out crying, asking if we were okay. I asked what was going on. My mom said my Grandma had passed away that afternoon. I was heartbroken and shocked. The worst part was that it was only six days until Christmas. I didn't think I'd ever have a happy Christmas again.

The funeral was held on Christmas Eve. Her casket was open and it was lovely. The casket was decorated with doves. My mom and I picked out her dress. It was also lovely. After the funeral we buried my Grandma.

We came back home to Calgary with holes in our hearts. Someone was missing from our heart, my Grandma. I'll always miss my Grandma. I also know she is with me, and always will be.

I'd like to dedicate this to the late Dorothy Walker, my Grandma, who suffered day after day trying to stay alive for her family. I will always remember my Grandma every Christmas Eve.