I can remember sitting beside my grandmother
as she peeled apples.
Her hands worn from aging and full of wisdom and strength.
Even though I was only a small child
I can recall
feeling a strength, warmth and caring
coming
out of such a simple activity.
As I am older now
and my grandmother has
passed away, so long ago,
my wish is that
I would have been able to know her as an individual.
What were her thoughts and feelings?
As a child I never thought of my grandmother
in this way
and so I feel a sense of loss
that I am not able to speak to her
woman
to woman and discuss life.
All the memories I have of her
is her peeling
apples
and her tender spirit
that was so much
a part of my life.
By Lisa Hoekstra
My grandmother passed away from the Alzheimers disease many years ago. I wrote the above poem about her.