In loving memory of my beloved mother, Virginia Kelly Say whose birthday is March 25, 1926.

You were moved from the hospital to a nursing home for rehab. On December 15, 2010, the verse on our daily desk calendar said, “In my Father’s house are many rooms...I am going there to prepare a place for you.” and I became afraid for you. Then on December 30, 2010, the verse said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness,” and I became more afraid for you. On January 5, 2011, you were diagnosed with pneumonia and were moved from rehab to a regular room. I couldn’t stop crying because you had pneumonia and your room was so dark and dingy. You kept saying, “The room’s OK. I like the room.” By the next day our roles revised. You were painfully sad. We talked about many things, and then you would rest awhile. Then we would talk some more, and then you’d rest some more. (I’m so glad we had that time together.) I met with the dietician and changed your breakfast and lunch to fruit plates. You liked that. Your spirits were better by the time I left.

The next morning, you stopped breathing one hour before your first fruit place arrived. Then you went to Heaven. Heaven doesn’t have any dark, dingy rooms that need painted. Heaven doesn’t have physical therapy, physical pain, or pneumonia. You’re safe there now. Happy Birthday in Heaven, Mom.