In memory of my grandfather

I know...lately so many of my posts seem to be titled "in memory of..." In less than 4 years, I lost my grandmother, my mom and last week, my grandfather. Yes, it is the cycle of life. I understand...and yet the sorrow is still very real.
My grandfather was an incredible man. And in time I will write about him - with humor, wit and with a lot of zest for life. But for now, here is something I wrote for my grandparents in 1999 (translated from Russian). My grandparents gave me everything, including the most incredible gift - unconditional love.

To my grandparents

1999

I am the continuation of your river,

I am a sunbeam from your sunlight,

I am a star, and my sky

Is your love and understanding.

I am the symbol of your depth and height,

The symbol of your victory over the cruel fate,

I am like the spring flower growing

Upon your welcoming soil.

I am the rhyme in your song,

A melody made up of simple and clear tones.

In the fields of life, I am a little straw,

And you are my summer rain, my sustenance.