The sound of silence

I first met her three weeks ago. She sits on the end of her "wing", confusion taking over.  Looking for her parents, wondering who will do the chores. I try to talk with her, but it doesn't work.  We go to her room and I read her the paper as she sleeps.  I write, " she appears comfortable " on a blank piece of paper, wondering who will really hear.
The next week when I go to visit her she is in her room, her grey hair combed neatly, pink scalp showing through.  The blue eyes are open, but I don't think she can see.  Quietly I ask her what she is doing and if she would like to talk.
"I am thinking"
"What are you thinking about Rutelia"
"I am thinking of the way things were, thinking of all those things, all that was"
I am amazed that she appears to be with me this week, she seems to know she is just thinking about things, not so anxious to be getting the chores done, finding her family...
but, remembering.
I continue to ask her questions and I find out quite a bit.  Not sure if her answers are all correct but they sure are interesting. And I wonder if I am really hearing what she is saying.
Today I stop to visit.
She lays silently in her bed, her hair swept off from her face, mouth open to catch what ever air, blue eyes closed.
She has 14 Siblings, one husband, one daughter...
they have all gone ahead of her,
she is the last.
A granddaughter sits next to her and holds her hand.  I listen as she tells me about her grandma.
It is so beautiful, the memories she has.
And I wonder if her spirit has gone ahead to meet her siblings, her daughter, her husband?
I wonder if during this time of silence on earth...
can they hear her?

This story is a figment of my imagination. Any similarities to someone you know is purely coincidental.  But, if there are similarities to your gramma, love her...
as she sure loves you!