Cherish the timeless

Death occurs in every family. Its one of the few predictable events we can count on. Everyone knows what its like to lose a loved one and yet, everyone may also react differently to the idea and experience of loss. Some people grieve about lost relationships.  Other people aren't openly affected. They may think it marks a phase in a process of lives and celebrate their loved one is safely in another place.

This topic is on my mind because my 95 year old grandmother recently passed on. Her longevity astounded me. She lived through three major wars, and although in ill-health for an extended period, hung in there for her 72nd wedding anniversary. During her lifetime, she lived through daunting challenges including, moving and living in multiple countries as a refugee and immigrant. She set incredible examples of determination and resilience. Above all, I'll always remember her will and spirit.

Each of us are reminded people will come and go in our lives. We also feel more connected to some people than others.  We keep in more frequent contact with some people and not others.  As young people get older, they tend to move out of their parents' home to forge a life of their own. Since more people are moving, fewer people live in the same geographic area of their close families. Age causes you to perceive time and relationships differently. Priorities change.

I encourage you to reflect on the connections you feel with people you have loved. Consider what you gain simply because of having known them during their brief lifetime. To gain intangibles is what leads to those immeasurable memories you aren't meant to put a price on. To reach inside and reminisce can seem timeless.

Comments

[Erin]

Liara, I am sorry to hear about your Grandmother. Although death is guaranteed and part of the life cycle, it hurts when someone passes on. I am sure you will be joined again.

[Liara Covert]

Thanks Erin. I sense that my grandma is always with me in spirit. You may enjoy this poem. It reminds me of something my grandma would say:

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.