Love in a Time of Loss

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Just a few short weeks after my grandma’s funeral (my mom’s mother), my family found out that my dad’s father was placed in hospice within the nursing home. I was devastated to say the least… not that I wasn’t eventually expecting this news as his health has deteriorated over the past couple years, but how, how could my family be going through this again?

As much as I was upset about my grandpa, I also immediately thought of my grandma, who took care of my grandpa day in and day out from full health to days where he barely remembered her name, a love so strong and true it is hard to describe. I also thought of my dad, my aunt, uncle, cousins, sisters and all of my grandparent’s friends, they would all be faced with the same sadness and feeling of loss. What would my grandma do with her days when she visited my grandpa twice a day each and every day? He passed away last Friday and although I felt some relief, I didn’t know what it would be like to go through all of this again.

Yesterday my family said good-bye to my grandpa, military honors and all, as he served as a part of the United States Army combat infantry in the European Theatre in 1943. A true honor that my grandpa rarely shared with others, which is a good example of how modest he was when it came to his accomplishments. As we went through the visitation and funeral, I felt such a strong surrounding of love with my family that  helped me overcome my feelings of sadness.  Our love and faith was stronger than my feelings of sadness, doubt and confusion.  My family’s love and commitment to each other reminded me of just how much grandpa was loved and still is… and how he is in a better place now, at peace.  He has been suffering for a long time and just wanted to be at peace. He is finally at peace and my family can finally breathe knowing he’s watching over us.

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10 Comments

  • Reply
    two birds
    December 4, 2012 at 8:38 AM

    i’m so sorry, rachel. what a beautiful memorial to your family.

  • Reply
    Grace @ Wrinkled Chiffon
    December 4, 2012 at 12:08 PM

    Rachel, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this time.

    xo Grace

  • Reply
    molly @ still being molly
    December 4, 2012 at 12:46 PM

    i’m so sorry for your loss rachel and i’m so sorry for all that your family has gone through recently 🙁 praying for you!

  • Reply
    Antonella C'est moi
    December 4, 2012 at 1:07 PM

    beautiful memorial yo your family, kisses

  • Reply
    Ani
    December 4, 2012 at 2:28 PM

    Rachel, my prayers are with you and your family. I know your grand pa is watching over you and knows he is loved. Hugs to you dear

    Ani
    http://www.fleurani.blogspot.de

  • Reply
    Ashleigh
    December 4, 2012 at 3:44 PM

    I am so sorry for your loss, especially so close to the “happiest time of the year.” My nephew died in a house fire last Christmas at two years old, and then my Cousin shot himself as well. I had never been to a funeral before those, and the gut wrenching sadness was terrifying. Now that it’s been a year almost, the tightness in my chest is gone. My eyes tear up when I think of them, but I can laugh and smile through the days. Grief is a different amount of time for everyone, but just know that you loved them, and they loved you. You have your memories, and you will see them again some day.

    • Reply
      Rachel
      December 4, 2012 at 4:21 PM

      Ashleigh, I am so, so, SO deeply sorry to hear about your losses. I can’t imagine what that must have been like. I can only imagine this time of year brings back some painful memories of this time last year. I am thinking of you and praying for you as well. Losing someone is never easy, no matter what the situation. Thank you for your sweet words. My family will get through it together 🙂

  • Reply
    Jenny
    December 4, 2012 at 4:51 PM

    Rachel, I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. My Grandmother just passed away last Wednesday, and it’s definitely a hard time of year to be suffering such a loss. It sounds like you have a wonderful and supportive family to help you get through this.

    xo Jenny
    http://www.crazystylelove.com

  • Reply
    AJ
    December 4, 2012 at 9:23 PM

    Wow, so sorry to hear this. Its definitely difficult to lose an important family member, but it sounds like you had an amazing time with him while he was here. He’s no longer suffering, which is hopefully a comfort. You seem like a strong girl with a wonderful family, so I hope you all lean on each other during this time. Stay positive and remember the love you shared!

    -AJ
    FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Amy
    December 5, 2012 at 8:59 AM

    Rachel,

    I am so inspired by your positive thoughts of love during this hard time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    xoxo
    Amy

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