Now, it is goodbye.

My grandma was 91, and whenever she finished a phone conversation she would say that she's not saying goodbye, because we'll see each other again, so it was 'See you later.'

My mom went into the hospital for surgery and Grandma came to take care of us. She was very different from us, but she amazed me. She made a hearty stew, sorry that I don't actually like soups much, and then she made beef in gravy with the leftovers. She showed me that her oatmeal could look beautiful, by leaving the sugar sprinkled on top with the milk a delicate covering. When I biked into town for summer school, I stopped by out of obligation at first, but then I stopped by because I wanted to spend time with her. I remember she made all of her children quilts one year, and gave one to my dad's widow even though Mom tended to keep herself apart from Grandma. She liked to remember her grandchildren and great-grandchildren every year at Christmas. And there is nobody I know of who can put together a meal for unexpected guests in 15 minutes flat, the way she could.

There were some rough times too - I won't forget them, but I don't need to think about it now.

She didn't have to die in a nursing home, she didn't need to get a wheelchair. She never said goodbye.