Today, Barack Obama announced that he lost his grandmother to a long battle with cancer. My heart was broken. It took me back to the very days when I lost each of my maternal grandparents. It reminded me over and over again of how much I miss their presence, their invaluable history, the lessons they taught, the battles they fought, and the day I lost them. What is even worst is that I never had the chance to meet my dad's parents because they each passed away 6 months apart, a year before I was born.
Grandparents are not respected and appreciated as much as I remember as a child. I remember my grandparents as being another set of parents, not a place to get my way. They were honest and truthful about life. They gave it to you straight and without beating around the bush. Parents are not different, in most cases. The parents that I know are like the grandparents that I loved and the grandparents that I miss.
No matter why they are no longer with us, it is a hard day when you lose your grandmother or grandfather and when you reach a place of success without them. No matter the struggles or challenges you have endured, you find yourself in a place of sadness because they are not there to share in your success or achievement.
People always say that time makes it easier, but it doesn't. Time allows you to learn to live with it. It is painful and the void remains, but the emptiness is forever.
What time does is provides you a chance to remember them in smiles, laughter and lighter days and with a chance for it to be lighter on your mind and your heart. Love them. Respect them. Learn from them. Cherish them. Time is limited.
Thank you! I recently lost my grandpa, whom I was very close to, and the void I am left with is vast. There are many things I wish I had said and many times I chose not to visit him that I now regret. My grandpa taught me more than he ever knew. He did not tolerate laziness or dishonesty, but had infinite patience. He was a wonderful man, and I respect him greatly. I hope everyone who has had the opportunity to get to know their grandparents has taken the time to listen.
Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see.
I am sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is and how difficult it can be. For all the regrets, you have to know that your grandfather already knew how you felt.
I was very close to my grandfather and I understand how you feel.
My grand mother had been hospitalized the last few months of her life. She took a turn for the worse but recovered. With my mom, I spent every night at the hospital and when she came home, I thought things were fine. Unfortunately, she got sick again and when she went back into the hospital, I believed that she would recovered and did not visit her. I live with that every day. It bothered me for a very long time. But, I have had to learn that she understood that I loved her and stood with her. I made sure that I did not make that mistake with my grandfather.
Even when you get the chance, it is still hard and painful. I had the time with my grandfather and it still hurts me today.
I wish you well.
Nice blog. I feel that grandparents are underappeciated. Because of our mobility we move away from our grandparents and never really know who they are. I lost my grandfather a few years ago; however, i really didn't know him, and i feel ashamed that the memories are so little of him.