Dear Grandpa

You've been gone for months now

but I still see you in my dreams.

I remember what happened that day.

September 26, my birthday, you went into surgery.

I felt helpless, I wasn't 20; I was 5.

A helpless little girl, I cried.

Three days later I visit you in hospice.

Your breathing is watery and shallow.

You are gone within the hour.

My grandma says you waited for me.

Your daughters and wife all in the room,

I'm your only grandchild there.

I can still remember your last breath,

the way I touched your face at the funeral.

I remember how sad I was to see you gone.

I'm not sad anymore and I think you'd be proud

of how I've grown, changed, and conquered.

I am still your Rosebud.

And I miss you, Papa.

My Momma and aunts miss you.

Your other grandkids miss you.

I'll always remember to have a laugh

in your honor

for your memory.