I have been fortunate enough to be present with my family during the passing of both of our grandparents. On Wednesday, February 3, 2010 my Grandma (Punkin) passed away. Only 48 hours later on Friday, February 5, 2010 my Grandpa, her husband of nearly 73 years, also passed away. The night before Punkin’s death my Grandpa sat by her bedside and said his goodbye’s. When she said she was worried he reassured her by saying, “Don’t worry I’ll be right behind you”. This agreement and their final days together are an amazing testament to the power of the human spirit. They were instantly connected in High School and now will be together always.
As everyone shared their stories and memories of the grandparents and parents they knew I had the privilege of watching as tears were transmuted into laughter. The healing was deepened as we shared Punkin’s journal. I realized that each of us holds our own view of the past and with it our own light on the relationships we have with one another. It reminded me that it is fruitless to hold on to the regrets of childhood as none of us can see the picture from all sides. There is always something larger happening; there is a gift or lesson to be received in every human connection. My grandparents didn’t have a perfect life or marriage but I get the feeling now that they knew their love was special and their connection precious.
As everyone shared their stories and memories of the grandparents and parents they knew I had the privilege of watching as tears were transmuted into laughter. The healing was deepened as we shared Punkin’s journal. I realized that each of us holds our own view of the past and with it our own light on the relationships we have with one another. It reminded me that it is fruitless to hold on to the regrets of childhood as none of us can see the picture from all sides. There is always something larger happening; there is a gift or lesson to be received in every human connection. My grandparents didn’t have a perfect life or marriage but I get the feeling now that they knew their love was special and their connection precious.
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