So emotions generally come flooding in when you learn of the passing of a family member or friend. Those emotions can range from not really understanding why our loved ones are taken home to joy that you know they are in a better place or not suffering any more.

That was certainly the case this week when my wife’s grandmother passed away.

There were so many emotions that I had only felt a few times since my grandparents had died that, in many cases seem to only surface after learning of a death.

While there was sorrow in the immediate term after she passed, as I get older I try to simmer that sorrow with joy of the wonderful memories I was able to create and share with her and the life she lived.

Whether it was the times she would never let you leave her house without fixing something to eat, listening to her sing or yodel, dance the jitterbug or just the soothing nature that only a grandparent can seem to have when you are going through a tough time.

She was always the life of the party and put a smile on your face. If she was going through a tough time, she didn’t let that get in the way of making sure she was there to help you.

While she may not have remembered our names after battling dementia the last few years of her life, I could always see the love she had in her eyes.

While I could never forget the love I had for my grandparents, she was able to fill that void in my heart.

It is never easy to lay a loved one to rest, but remembering those times certainly help allow us to move forward.

She wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

Until we meet again one day, it was an honor to have known you and be a part of your family granny.

 

Josh Morrison is the general manager at The Tribune. To reach him, call 740-532-1441 ext. 16 or by email at josh.morrison@irontontribune.com.