What It's Like To Lose A Grandparent | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

What It's Like To Lose A Grandparent

I'll always love you.

58
What It's Like To Lose A Grandparent

I'm not sure about anyone else, but when I was little I always felt invincible –– like I could live forever. I applied that same belief to everyone else around me. I had no concept of death, and I was fortunate to not have a grandparent pass away until I was a bit older and able to understand and comprehend what was happening around me. But when my grandmother passed away when I was in eighth grade, my world was taken out from under my feet.

Early in the year of 2010, my grandmother (on my mom's side) began to fall ill. I had an optimistic view of the situation, figuring that my grandmother would eventually become healthy once again. One very early morning in late March, my grandmother took her very last breath. As my mom woke me up and gently broke the news to me, I didn't know how to feel. I was lost, confused and broken. My grandmother was such a loving and kind-hearted person, and I miss her each and every day.

Unfortunately, I was met with these same feelings again not too long ago. After a decline of health in the past few years, my grandmother's (on my dad's side) condition continued to worsen, until she was finally released of all of her pain in mid-October. My grandmother was someone I spent a lot of time with when I was younger. We went on shopping trips together and she would spoil me rotten, buying me (almost) anything I asked for. After our shopping trips, we would sit on her chair together and watch "The Bachelor," talking about how cute all the boys were. When we weren't together, we wrote letters back and forth to each other (snail mail was a thing back then!).

When I heard of my grandmother's passing, I was immediately ridden with emotion. I was away at school, and all I wanted to do was cry for days. Even though she was very sick, I still could not deal with the fact that I would never be able to talk to her again, to hold her hands or to sit on her lap ever again and talk to her about my life.

When I got to the funeral home, seeing pictures of my grandmother and her in a casket with flowers adorning it, I broke down and started crying immediately. Nothing, no preparation, no words, not one thing on this earth can prepare you for how it feels to lose a loved one. It is the hardest and most difficult experience, and there is nobody to tell you how to handle it or what you will feel. People will give their condolences, your family, friends and significant other will support you; but you have to face your own emotions and I found that to be the hardest part.

Two months after my grandmother's passing, my grandfather's (on my Dad's side) already declining health began to worsen. He passed away only a few weeks ago, and again, I was met with the same feelings of loss and confusion, even though I had just gone through the same thing not too long ago. My grandfather was one of the smartest people I've ever known. He was an engineer, he fixed cars for a living, and served in the army. If I ever had a question about anything, I would immediately go to him.

I wish more than anything that I could have one last conversation with my grandmother and grandfather and tell them all of my hopes and dreams and everything that I have experienced so far in college. I wish I could make up for lost time, I wish I could tell them how much I love them and give them one last hug. But I know they are up there watching me having the time of my life. As devastating as my grandparent's passing was, I know they are together, without pain, looking over me and my family with smiles on their faces.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

195938
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

18279
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460430
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28060
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments