For those of you who don’t know, I’m currently in Washington state, staying with family as we await the passing of my grandma.
Throughout this process of saying goodbye, God has provided some sweet moments:
When one of her 10 great-grandchildren would enter the room a transformation would take place in my grandma. Her eyes would light up, she was somehow able to hold a conversation…it was a moment of pure joy! This has been a difficult situation to go through with my 5- & 3-year-olds. But that moment made me so happy that they’re here with me.
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A few days ago my grandma’s first husband came to visit her. Witnessing the love and despair wash over the face of my grandpa, although they’ve been divorced for decades, was heart-wrenching to see; a moment that seemed too intimate to be viewed by others.
While talking about it later, my grandma’s current husband broke down. Tears pooled in my grandpa’s eyes as he said, “Wasn’t that beautiful? Why can’t life be like that without including this type of situation?”
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It’s amazing to see the peace and comfort conveyed from a husband to a wife through a simple kiss on the forehead or a caress of the hand. Even when she’s unresponsive, my grandma is aware of my grandpa’s presence and is calmed by it.
Thank you Lord for being gentle with us. For giving us moments of pleasure in the midst of grief and sorrow.
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A quiet, and stunning way, to demonstrate gentleness. Good post, Melissa.
Thank you Glynn.
Such a hard journey you are traveling right now. But you’ve conveyed the beauty of it all. Thank you.
It is hard – but God is easing the path.
Tender and true.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Cassanadra.
I love, love the aching redemption in that look… I could see it. Wow.
It was a wonderful moment to experience. My whole life they have been amiable towards each other, but to see the love they still felt towards each other and the joy my grandpa felt in witnessing it (instead of any insecurity or jealousy) was so touching. It was truly a God-moment.
It reminds that there is sacredness in transitioning to death just as there is sacredness in birth.
“If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life. For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.” – Gibran
What a great quote. Thank you for sharing it. It’s only with the knowledge that God is transitioning her to eternity with Him that makes this at all bearable. Knowing He’s fully in control is what helps me to keep it together.
I can feel the gentleness in your words. What a terrible situation, but how wonderful God is letting you witness such wonderful moments that you’ll be able to cherish always.
Thanks for sharing with us, Melissa. Praying for all of you.
Thanks Bridget. It’s been a gift to be able to experience these moments here with family instead of waiting it out in California. I’m grateful God has blessed me with this opportunity – as hard as it is.
Oh, ouch and beautiful and hard and wonderful all at the same time. That’s a very hard thing to put into words for kids. I hope you find just the right ones!
~Blessings on you this week,
Lisa-Jo
Melissa,
Praying for you all…it’s great to know that a gentle God has our times in His hands. Peace and thanks for sharing a difficult time with us.
Jay
Jay, I appreciate your prayers. It has been an unexpected comfort to find community through blogging…so many people have encouraged and supported me in this.
I’m always amazed at the beauty that can be found in the most desperate and saddest situations. Thanks for looking for it and then sharing it. You are much appreciated. 🙂
Thanks Jason. I was so grateful that God showed some glimmers of joy, love and peace to me as I was dealing with such a painful situation.
You have a way with words (and photographs). What an amazing thing to witness in the midst of a sad situation. Thanks for sharing this..
Thank you! I kept rewriting this over and over…feeling like I couldn’t get it right. Your words are encouraging.
I will be praying for your family during this time! You will be blessed by noticing the beautiful moments in what is otherwise a sad time!
Thanks Melissa. I appreciate your prayers and kind words.
“Thank you Lord for being gentle with us. For giving us moments of pleasure in the midst of grief and sorrow.” AMEN!
Praise God that He cares so much about us that He gives us comfort and encouragement in our times of grieving and loss.
How blessed to be present at this moment in your grandma’s life… how blessed to see the love displayed to her and through her.
I am so sorry that you are experiencing this pain…I’ll pray for your family!
how heartbreaking, but how amazing that God is giving you glimpses of his joy amidst the pain…
I’m so sorry for your loss. This was a lovely tribute to her.
Steph
Blessings to you and your family. Thank you for sharing this part of the journey. Your words are gentle, your spirit bright and the beauty of your psot is felt with every word.
Thank you!
Hey Melissa, Just wanted to let you know I moved my subscriptions over to my new account today. What this means is I’ll be able to read all your new posts from now on. 🙂 Cheers!
I agree with Steph – what a beautiful story to honor your grandmother.
Thank you for sharing something so personal — the moment.
HUGS.
oh, I am sorry for your loss Melissa, but what a beautiful reflective writing about that special love we sometimes take for granted.