I just lost someone. Don't apologize to me. Don't offer me your prayers. Don't tell me she's in a better place. Or she's in heaven. She's not. She's gone. The body and biological circuitry and consciousness that was her has shut down. All that's left is a shell. She's not in some mythical eternal place with a magical deity. She's not been reunited with all of her loved ones to live for the rest of time. She existed for 88 years on this Earth. Now, she's not here.
Her body will break down. The earth will reclaim her. The atoms that are a part of her body will be recycled. She'll become the air, the water, and the flowers. She'll bear witness to millions upon millions of lives and events that are to come, yet she'll know none of it.
We, her loved ones, will sit together and reminisce. We'll smile at the happy memories, and cry remembering the painful ones. We will look to each other and reaffirm that we're family. That we still love each other.
So don't tell me she's in some heaven. Don't pity me. Save your sadness for others.
Instead, go tell your significant other that you love them. Make love, passionately. Kiss like you'll never stop. Spend the night discovering each other again. See how you've changed. See how you've stayed the same. Fall in love all over again.
Hug your child. Hold them close. Play with them. Tell them about your adventures when you were their age. Tell them how proud you are of them. Worry about every decision they make, but let them make it. Encourage them when they fail. Praise them when they succeed. Never let them go a day without you telling them that you love them.
Call your friend. Just chat. Catch up. Go out. Have fun. Smile. Laugh until it hurts. Cry at sad movies. Shop for silly things. Stay in and eat ice cream. Tell your friend how much you appreciate them.
Visit your grandparents. Sit down. Listen. Ask them to tell you their life story. Laugh with them. Cry with them. Enjoy the memories. Hug them close and tell them you love them.
See your parents. Thank them for everything they've done for you. Share your own parenting mishaps. Acknowledge that they were right, once in a while. Tell them you appreciate their wisdom. Hug your mom. Hug your dad. Tell them you love them.
This is all we got, folks. This one life. Make it count. Enjoy every day, no matter how it turns out.
When they are bursting with activity. When you stay in your pj's all
day. When you have a crappy day at work. When you have an absolutely
amazing day. When you are sick. When you are well. When you love. When you fight. When you make up. Whatever day it is, it's another day in your life. Your unique life. Cherish it, even when it's hard.
Goodbye, Great Grandma. And thanks for all the cards.
