Love Lives On

OK, so this post is not going to be as lighthearted as some of my other posts. I promise I will not make a regular habit of this… But, with Memorial Day advancing its way toward us on the calendar I am brought back to remembering those who have made the journey ahead of us -- home to heaven. Death of a loved one is a profound event in anyone’s life. We all will experience loss on some level – some of us,  on levels others will possibly never understand. I remember as a child watching as family pets, friends, and grandparents pass away—always surrounded by love.

As an adult I have watched (mainly over this past year or so) as my family lost two of our most beloved grandmothers (great-grandmothers ), a sweet humor filled uncle, and a dear… dear friend and young mother – who’s courageous battle with cancer and inevitable passing  drastically impacted and changed many lives. With each event, I watched family members and friends grieve – Personally, I was affected by each event differently.  My emotions ranged from sad yet accepting - to a feeling of forsakenness and heartache. But, what was most amazing was witnessing the way in which my children dealt with all the loss. I was very concerned with how these events would affect my children – especially my two oldest. I can honestly say, for as much as I have taught my children, they have taught me in return. Children tend to seek out joy even in times of great sorrow. Children are incredible little warriors with pure hearts and spirits – whose honesty adds clarity to my perspective on a daily basis.

I think my son’s description to his 6 year old cousin about the passing of their great grandmother really hit home... My son (then 6 years old), is a huge Star Wars fan.  I remember watching these movies at the drive in as a child. My boys love these movies.  Anyways, my son and my nephew were having a serious conversation under hushed voices during one of the last times they got to visit their once vibrant (even at 92), now weakened and sleeping great-grandmother. I was fortunately able to ease drop and will never forget what I heard…. The conversation went as follows:

Nephew: “You know Colin, she is gonna die.”

Colin: “ I know..Mom and Dad told me..”

Nephew: “She is gonna be gone.”

Colin:  Furrowed brow; “ No she isn’t.”

Nephew: “Yep, once you die, you have to go. Your gone.”

Colin: “Nope. You’re not gone when you die… Grammy will die, but she will become more powerful than we could have ever imagined – Remember? Just like Obi-wan when Darth Vader struck him down?!  Obi-wan’s Jedi powers went into Luke Skywalker. See? Grammys powers will live in us!”

So, as we approach Memorial Day.. Humbly count your blessings for all the gifts you have been given. Remember those you have known and lost on this incredible journey– Whether we like it or not -- It is because of losing them –we have grown stronger.

And so love lives on…..