Dear Annie

haven’t heard what you said.

“Truth is I heard you, but I’m at a new place now, and it’s somewhere in my head.

“I understand it scares you, but it’s because it’s all so new.

“Time was when it scared me, and made me more than a little mad too.

“But I’ve found this field of daisies where the skies are always so blue,

“and I’ve seen a spotted puppy with a child who looks a lot like you.

“I can jump so high and run so fast -- I’m so very young again I hardly have a past.

“I’ve seen you worry, and I know you stew “Sometimes you even get mad -- I know that you do. “It’s because you love me, and you don’t understand that what’s happening to me is all part of a plan.

“Sometimes from where I am I think I see my mother.

“I see everyone I’ve ever loved, first one and then the other.

“When I’m here, I have strength, not an ache or a pain.

“I can play baseball or hopscotch and take long walks in the rain.

“Here It doesn’t matter if I forget what I wanted to say.

“There’s no stress or pressure, maybe someday I’ll stay.

“It all happened so slowly, but someday you’ll understand.

“Even you will visit this new place, and when you do, you and I will walk hand in hand.” -- Jim Aitken

Dear Jim: Thank you for sharing your beautiful poem. You were a wonderful grandson, and no one appreciated you more than Grandma.

“Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie” is out now! Annie Lane’s debut book - featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette - is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing. com for more information.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.