last conversation
the phone startled us. it was midnight when it rang. the lady on the line was with hospice and said grandma's nailbeds were grey and she was starting to hold her breath. her blood pressure was dropping and her heart was beating irregularly.
"do i need to get on a plane right now? i'd like to be there when she passes."
"er no. it's icing in here and you simply can't put your life in danger."
"ok, you're right. can you put the phone to her ear so i can say some words to her?"
"yes ma'am. of course."
"grandma. it's sarah jane. i want you to know i love you so much and am really glad you're my grandma. i've learned so much from you and think you've had an amazing life. i love telling my kids about you. please know you're always with me and i love you very much. goodbye, grandma."
