As the curtains closed on my Gramma’s life she had one request, “take me with you.” Those were the some of the most important words my gramma ever spoke. With little time to live she took the opportunity to ask her daughter for what she wanted. “When I die have me cremated and take me with you on your adventures. You go to fun places and do things I’ve never been able to do. Scatter a little of me wherever you go.” This was my gramma’s dying wish. My mother has obliged by pouring some of her mother’s ashes in a clear glass bottle and keeping them close by.
Gramma rides in the glove box of mom’s car in case there’s an unplanned place to sprinkle her ashes. This only caused curiosity and concern by a police officer issuing mom a speeding ticket. When Gramma rolled out with the registration and insurance papers the officer jumped to the conclusion that she was cocaine. Mom explained and he sheepishly apologized for his mistake. Stashed inside of a suitcase has been a common place to find the bottle of Gramma. The soils of countries in Africa, Asia, and, Europe have received Gramma’s ashes. To my knowledge, the gondolier in Venice was the only witness that outwardly objected. Fair enough. The idea isn’t for everyone.
Gramma accepted what she was dealt in life without much objection. She lived life as fully as she could given her circumstances. In death she received what she asked for. Before her passing Gramma finally exercised her voice through her simple request of, “Take me with you.” Her last living wish was granted in her death. Happily, she has seen much of the world. It goes to show us, it’s never too late to speak up for yourself.
