The finality of death is harsh. The knowledge that I will see her again gives me hope.
Over the weekend, we had the Celebration of Life service for my Grandma. Reality really hits you in the face when you walk into the room at the nursing home and see her side completely emptied out. The whole time it felt like she should be there. She loved gathering the whole family in her home for celebrations. She would have loved it.
But, she is healed and whole. NOTHING could be better for her.
My cousin, Matt, did the service. He met with her when they put her on hospice, and she planned it all. He did such a great job. We sang Grandma’s favorite hymns. My grandpa sang a song for her and told so many funny stories. I loved hearing how ornery she was.
At the end, Matt said that Grandma didn’t want us to leave sad. She had one last surprise up her sleeve even though she is gone. My grandma was a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan. She had Matt lead us in “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” to finish it all. Oh, Grandma. Even in death she gave us a gift. I’m pretty sure we all sobbed through it. I can’t seem to find the words to explain how truly special that was.
My sweet Grandpa was so strong through it all, but he is hurting so much. I asked him how he and Grandma met. They were 16 when they met and got married at 18. He told me how they never dated anyone else. Scott is the only guy that I have ever dated. Grandpa said “That’s how it should be. People treat partners like they are a pair of socks now!” How true that is. After he told me how they met, he looked at me and said, “I think you two are going to be like us. You’re gonna make it.” From a man who spent 67 years loving the same woman through the good, bad, and ugly– that means everything.
I’m full of gratitude that we were able to be there. I’m grateful for every moment. Celebrate life while you are still alive. Ask for the stories and LISTEN to the advice and lessons while your loved ones are still here. You don’t want to be full of regrets and questions when it’s too late. There are so many lessons to be learned from those who have walked the paths before us.