That time of year again has come. Today I honour and remember the life of my departed and beloved great-grandmother. This time of year is the hardest and most emotionally taxing time for me. I feel, sometimes, that it is silly for me to let myself get so emotional; however, I cannot think of another way to pay tribute to someone who has made such an impact on my life.
It has been twenty-four years since she died. It happened in the afternoon of September 24, 1987 at the Bon Secour Hospital. I have thought carefully of what I would do if I had a time machine and could take one round-trip to the past. I would not choose to go back to the moment she had her heart attack. My instinct as a medical assistant would be to intervene and try to save her life. I have thought a million times that I would try, and I would make every effort to keep vital oxygen to her brain, an attempt that might have given her a chance to survive this ordeal. However, over the years, I have come to the understanding that it was her fate to come to her time of dying in this manner. It was quicker, less painful, and how she would have chosen to leave this life behind her.
If I had the choice of a time to revisit from my past, I would choose to be at the hospital where she died and be sitting by her bed, holding her hand when the angel of death called her name. I think it would be fitting for me to be with her for the last moments of her life, as she was there for me for the first moments of mine. I think if I could witness those moments unfolding, somehow I would find some completion. The circle of life is unending, but I feel like a part is missing from mine.
I realize that there is no method in this world for such an eventuality, but that will never stop me from hoping some H.G. Wells – style of events could find me and bring to that time and place. For now, I will have to just keep wishing.
To my Me’mere I can say only this: I love you eternally. I will never forget you. I will never stop missing you. I will speak of you as often as I can. And when my time of dying comes, I hope you’ll be on the other side waiting for me.
The Time Returns…
Il est longtemps que je t’aime, Jamais je ne t’oublierai, Me’mere.
