"the woman who'd helped her through the most difficult period of her life. As Julia silently opened the door and stepped inside, she felt tears burn the backs of her eyes. Her grandmother appeared to be asleep. Ruth's face was pale, but she seemed more at peace now, as if the pain had passed. Tentatively Julia stepped over to her grandmother's bed and took her hand. She held it to her own cheek and pressed it there. Slowly Julia closed her eyes. As soon as she did, it felt as if Ruth were awake, waiting to speak with her. "Don't be sad," Ruth seemed to be saying. "I don't want you to grieve for me. I've lived a good, long life. You were my joy. God's special gift to me." "No, please," Julia pleaded silently. "Don't leave me, please don't leave."