Every year for at least 7 years now, maybe 10, I get that spring clean itch. The impulse to clean out the old and unnecessary, create simplicity and order, and make room for the new.

New beginnings, new belongings, new me.

The end of winter is also my birthday season. I naturally become self reflective.

I think about my most recent trip around the sun.

How did I do?

Who am I becoming?

This time I’m also thinking of my Grandmother, Rose.

One day in 2012 I went into her room with my sister.

My sister asked, “Grandma, what chu doin?” She had taken out a few cubbies and was organizing her belongings.

“I’m just trying to get everything in order so y’all don’t have to worry about it when I’m gone.” She had recently been diagnosed with cancer so this made my sister burst into tears and run out of the room.

I stood there stunned.

She looked at me and said, “I’m sorry.” And that made me cry.

I told her not to apologize and that’s all I remember. I stayed and we talked about many things but the rest is a blur.

TODAY I’m thinking about how she had come to the end of her final season. She was doing her last spring cleaning. Preparing for her next season in the next life.

Still thinking of her family and trying not to leave a mess. But also having last moments with the cherished items that had made it to the end with her.

She passed maybe a month or two later on her birthday.

Peacefully in her sleep.

I wonder if I will know when my final season has arrived,

my last spring cleaning.

I would like to close with a poem written by my Grandmother Rose

I’m so glad for the time God gave to spend with you

Don’t be sad I’m gone, for I was just passing through

We walked, we talked

We played, we prayed

We laughed and we cried

But with so much wear and tear this old body got tired

But I am glad God gave me time to spend with you

Don’t be sad that I’m gone, I was just passing through

Man born of a woman is not but a few days and full of trouble

So make good of the time you all have left and love one another

For this life carried a rough and rugged road

But the life I have now, I’m rid of my heavy load

I’m so glad God gave me time to spend with you

Don’t be sad I’m gone, for I was just passing through

Late upload: written Spring 2026

posted: 9.13.26

edited: 9.15.26