My five-year-old granddaughter Anna, who was close to my wife Catherine (who, as many of you know, passed away unexpectedly this month), was over with her mom and dad to celebrate the college graduation of my daughter (her aunt). There were about thirty people at the house and this house is not big, so there was lots going on.
Suddenly, Anna says to me from across the room, “Grandpa! I see something in this house that was not here before!” And with that, she walks over to an end table beside me where the guest book and brochure from Catherine’s memorial service had been placed on display. The brochure had Catherine’s photo on it.
“Yes, that’s Grandma,” I said. I waited to see what her response would be — and so did her dad, not far away. Several days before, Anna’s mom had explained to her that her grandmother had gone to be with Jesus in Heaven, and that God would surround her with other family members who loved her, and they would take Grandma’s place till we all saw her again. Anna had taken the news seriously but with surprising acceptance. But our journey through this loss has just begun, and today was a new day.
Anna studied the photo for a bit, then turned to her dad and said, “Isn’t today just wonderful?” And then she proceeded to take two flowers that had been attached to one of her aunt’s gift bags and place them carefully on the book stand, just above Catherine’s photo.
It has been a little over three weeks now since my wife Catherine passed, and as you might guess, many, many people who loved her and who love me have reached out and asked how I am doing. It has been difficult to answer with any form of honesty or credulity, not because I am too devastated to form the right response, but rather because of the opposite. How I, and my children, are doing has been a rich composite of many tears but also of unspeakable joy.
It has been characterized by unprecedented vulnerability and unexpected strength. It has been a tender marriage of both unprecedented grief and unfathomable grace. It has been a college graduation without mom here, but with sweet little Anna placing flowers next to her photo and declaring, for all the world to know, that this day, even with its sorrow, is just wonderful.
So my response to my loved ones, if it were a text message, would be simple and concise, amounting to four words: Life is still beautiful.
Photo by Jarl Schmidt on Unsplash
What a beautiful, loving gesture. She is a very special little girl, and wise beyond her years!
Praying for you.
Indeed. Thank you RobbyeFaye!
You are very welcome!
Thank you for the beautiful update. I can’t wait to hug you all in person❤️
That is one adorable granddaughter you have. I believe she going to get through her loss in a positive way. Love you
Thank you Veronica!
Wow! From the mouth of babes. Wonderful. I have not heard a better expression of faith and love. Thanks for sharing this. Blessings.
Welcome Mel!
How touching to hear Anna say that..She too is confident she will see Catherine, her Grandma again..as am I. I pray that I do. Catherine was a very special person and I loved her..She helped me thru a few difficult times in which I am so grateful! I do cry at the mention of her name only because I want her here, I want to share pictures to each other of our Granddaughter Anna, I want to see her face, and have time with her as Anna grows.. I just miss her so much. But that wasn’t the plan, was it? God needed her and I’m sure Catherine is a joy in Heaven. When I see a beautiful blue sky, I will think of Catherine as the artist..God Bless you and yours Don! Catherine loved you and I’m confident that she is very pleased how the family has stayed true to their love for Jesus, knowing she is in the best hands.. love you all, Heather
Thank you Heather! You are such a blessing to the family
The expression “blessed to be a blessing” seems an odd choice here, and yet it somehow feels accurate. Blessings and unexpected joy, Patrick.
I agree, Mitch. Thank you.
Wow… what an amazing testimony to God’s love and grace! May God continue to comfort and bless you and your family!! 🙏🙂
Thank you Lynn!
Touching post. . .thanks for sharing and glad you do not get bitter and shut yourself in.