The time is near

When I first initiated this challenge, I thought learning one little ol' tune a week couldn't be that hard.  ...Well, I didn't anticipate life happening.  I promise I'll make them up! 

I got engaged to the man of my dreams three weeks from tomorrow, and everything has been a wonderful whirlwind since.  I've been floating on Cloud Nine since May 15th.  I got called back down to earth this past Thursday, though, when my mom informed my brother and I that my grandmother's health was rapidly deteriorating.  My plans to visit with her that evening after work had to be set aside when she was taken to the hospital.  I am thankful I was able to talk and laugh with her Friday evening before she took a turn for the worse over night.  She was given her Last Rites this morning surrounded by her children and grandchildren.  We've been talking all day about how we can take comfort in that she will be reunited with my grandfather in Heaven very soon, which reminded me of the following English folk song from Southern Appalachia - "My Dearest Dear:"

My dearest dear, the time is near when I and you must part
And no one knows the inner grief of my poor aching heart
And what I suffer for your sake, for the one I love so dear
I wish that I could go with you or you could tarry here
 
I wish my heart were made of glass, that in it I might behold
Your name in secret I would write in letters of bright gold
Your name in secret I would write, pray believe me when I say
You are the one that I love best until my dying day

Mo gra thu, A stoirin
(Irish Galiec: "I love you, my Darling")
 
And when you're on some distant shore think on your absent friend
And when the wind blows high and clear, a line or two pray send
And when the wind blows high and clear, pray send it love to me
That I may know by your hand-write how times have gone with thee

My dearest dear, the time is near when I and you must part
And no one knows the inner grief of my poor aching heart
And what I suffer for your sake, for the one I love so dear
I wish that I could go with you or you could tarry here

We love you, Grandma.