We lost a good one this summer. My sweet Nan left this life at just merely 87 years old. My family was vacationing at the beach when my mom got the call that she was being rushed to the hospital after she suffered what appeared to be a stroke. This caused partial paralysis to her left side and sent her into a coma.
After an agonizing week of knowing she wouldn’t come out of it with a good quality of life she passed from this life. I believe she is now with my Pap and dancing and singing away with the Heavenly choirs and dancing away with Pap.
So how do you say good bye to someone who taught you so much and loved you with their whole heart? *gah now I’m crying*
This is how I did….
Being a writer, there’s times like these where I don’t know what to write, so I ask others, what do you think I should say or write? To which they reply you are the writer.
But how do you say goodbye to someone who you’ve loved like a second mom your whole life?
Yes she was my grandmother but she kept me most days before I went off to school. I lived down the street from her so I she would keep me after school. As my cousin Tiffany said this week, she’d have cookies and juice for us. Her chocolate chip cookies were the best. Mom, we will get it right soon. Although, now, I’m wondering if she had a secret ingredient she wasn’t telling us.
When I was little and learning how to swim (after my Dad threw me in and told me to swim) she taught me how to float and soon had races. Next, she taught me how to get the courage to take off on my bike. Now, I’m teaching Kyle to do that. She spoiled us rotten like most grandmothers do, but she had sass, even towards the end. I think I get some of that from her.
I’m just thankful my boys got to know her (my one wish would be that Pap could have known them and they him. I can just imagine the giggles and silliness and putting them in their place that he would create) they got to see her almost everyday with my mom.
I took this picture in Myrtle Beach back in 2003 of them facing the sunset or what was left of it and I just pray that Pap and Nan are enjoying their time together and enjoying the eternal Son set together.
So how do you say goodbye to someone who never let you leave their house without a kiss and hug goodbye? Because let’s face it Nan…you didn’t this time.
I just think I will say see you later, I love you always.
I shared this at my Nan’s service. I had done the same at her mom’s, (my Great Nanny) and my Pap’s. All penned differetly and to suit them.
I don’t have any answers for how to get through your loss. Everyone grieves differently. Cling to the family and friends you do still have here on Earth with you. If you are a person of faith cling to the promise of Heaven.
Continue living out their legacy. Do things they enjoyed. If you have inherited some of their items- use them and or repurpose them. I always look for Cardinals as little reminders and signs from my loved ones.
Ok maybe I do have a some answers. Just be gentle with yourself and give yourself time…
Take Care,
