Poetry Friday: Grandmother’s Beatitudes

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I liked this when I first saw it in Elisabeth Elliot’s March/April 2003 newsletter, but it means even more now that my mother-in-law has moved near us. I have seen it in some places as “Grandmother’s Beatitudes,” other places as “Beatitudes for friends of the aged.”

Blessed are those who understand
My faltering step and palsied hand.

Blessed are those who know that my ears today
Must strain to catch the things they say.

Blessed are those who seem to know
That my eyes are dim and my wits are slow.

Blessed are those who looked away
When coffee spilled at table today.

Blessed are those with a cheery smile
Who stop to chat for a little while.

Blessed are those who never say,
“You’ve told that story twice today.”

Blessed are those who know the ways
To bring back memories of yesterdays.

Blessed are those who make it known
That I’m loved, respected, and not alone.

Blessed are those who know I’m at a loss
To find the strength to carry the Cross.

Blessed are those who ease the days
On my journey Home in loving ways.

- Esther Mary Walker

Poetry Friday is hosted this week by author amok.

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Filed under Aging, Family, Ministry, Poems