Sound like the title of a novel, doesn’t it? Its what been happening in my life and messing with my mind.
Going to the funeral for a ninety six-year old grandmother was sad. She was a sweet woman who delighted in hugging everyone and whispering “I love you” in your ear. Her children and grandchildren will miss her. She enjoyed her great -grandchildren and they loved her. It was sad, sweet and somehow right.
Another elderly lady was someone we never met. She was an in-law’s grandmother who lived out of state but wanted to be buried here next to her husband. I watched people who were unhappy, but not overwhelmed. After all, she’d lived to her 101st birthday the week before.
Did I tell you I don’t like funerals? I’ve lived through my mother, sister and daughter all dying young, then my father at 86. I learned all the trappings of flowers, music and hugging don’t give much comfort.
The terrible grief drains me even though its not mine. Pity and sorrow make me cry.
Today we had to attend the funeral for a 23 year old man. Everyone said he was sweet and caring. How much he’ll be missed by his baby boy. I cried when they sang “Amazing Grace.”
People handle grief in so many different ways. All I know is it takes time to get to the other side where your life goes on.
I did say four. We had a very private burial for my best friend, Dixie. My dog died of cancer after only a few weeks after the diagnosis. Sometimes its worse to lose a pet, especially such a wonderful one. Dixie was the best dog I ever had.
Barbara Edwards Comments 
I am so sorry for your losses, Barbara. Take time to grief. Give yourself permission to grief in the way that’s best for you and for as long as it takes. Hugs.
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Thanks Diane, I really need a couple night of good sleep.
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I’ve had two deaths in my family recently, Barbara. My father in law and a sister. I still miss my little white shadow of a pooch who died 12 years ago. I feel your pain. Hugs, my friend.
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Thanks, Kayelle. Sharing helps.
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I’m so sorry about all the losses in your life, Barbara. As you said, handling death is never easy and having so many deaths in a relatively short space of time is particularly difficult. The only comfort we often give ourselves is that at least that person’s suffering is over and they’re finally at peace and in a better place. It still leaves us with the pain of having to handle how best to go on, and in the end perhaps time is the only thing that can make the heartache, if not completely go away, then at least become more bearable. As for your beloved dog, that’s sometimes the hardest thing to cope with because our pets always give us such wonderful unrequited love. My prayers go out to you and all of those in your life who have recently been faced by these terrible losses.
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Thank you Darcy. I’ll give everyone your wishes.
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I am so terribly sorry, Barbara! Death at any age is upsetting, especially when someone is so young and just beginning life.
The loss of a pet is extremely heartbreaking. A month ago I cried myself to sleep because I thought my cat, Rosie, who is blind and quite old, was going to die. I’ve had her for as long as I can remember. She’s still here, but I am afraid for when the day comes when she’s not.
Hugs!
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Thanks, Chrys. Although Dixie was not my first dog, she will always be the one who meant the most. She would lick away my tears.
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Barbara I am so sorry! I’m sorry to hear about the young man, especially.
(And yes, I’m with you. I can’t hear Amazing Grace without getting choked up every darned time). Sending you lots of hugs and healing.
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Thank you Juli.
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I am always reminded at funerals of how ill-equipped we are to handle death. Funerals of the young seem particularly unjust.
As a fellow dog love, let me extend my condolences on the loss of your dearest friend.
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Thanks, Sarah. Took me two weeks to mention this to my friends.
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