This was written for my grandmother and best friend, our beloved Maud Haas

To praise your beauty and goodness would be my great honor, yet I have not the conceit to do so. Of this task, I am inept, for your sublime and boundless nature defies the constraints of mortal verse, though I do long your praise to pen.

I could speak of your loving nature, your bright humor, your quick wit and intelligence, your generosity. I could speak of these qualities and many more. These mere explicates could never do justice to your special and unique memory, nor give praise worthy, nor vaguely suggest the image of your radiant presence which yet shines on and around us now and through eternity. Comforted would we be were we to open our eyes and our hearts to see and feel your presence. For this gift may we give great thanks.

May we shed the cloak of selfish grief, for you, our dear, beloved Grandma, live forever in the light of God! You watch over us through loving eyes. Through each precious memory you bring us joy anew!

You walked among us for a brief moment in time, a true angel of light, too good for this world. We were so blessed by your grace, kindness and beauty as you passed through this plane touching so many lives. You were so open minded and independent of spirit. You always remained unscathed by base humanity as you viewed many of us in different walks of life. Your special qualities of goodness and caring remained fast, pure and never jaded. You were and always will be an inspiration to all of us who had the delight and honor to know you.

Your eyes, dear Grandma, still watch over us with that same selfless and pure love which remains steadfast no matter our achievements or our follies. Your special love shall always be a pillow where we may rest our weary heads in times of need. When we miss you as we always will, we must only stop and be silent to feel you close.

Now you return to your lofty abode in God's arms, safe and joyful in the light of Heaven. Blessed are we to have been bestowed upon with the privelege to bathe in your undying kindness, to know you upon this earth and to be loved then as we are now and always will be by you, our dearest angel, Maud.