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Courage I wrap myself in the memory of my Grandmother Who lived to 99 Who embraced her age with strength and grace Did not fight change Or focus on losses But warmed to that day’s opportunities I am old Officially old I shed tears for lost youth Question decisions made and paths followed And quake at the thought of times ahead I no longer choose just on opportunities But on necessity and protection Friends leave Physical skills diminish Memory faulters . . .
She walked every day In the garden at her retirement home Through the pain and loss To sit on a bench in the sunshine I pray for her grace And thank her for the path provided
- Val Urbat In Memory of Leona Vanderholm, a long-time resident of Newport and Diamond Lake who died at 99 in 1999.
