THE EVERLASTING CYCLE OF GRIEF: LOVE’S ENDURING IMPACT
The statement above is is so true as we journey through the cycle of grief. I was so blessed. In what has become affectionately known as “The Papa Book” in our family, one of the questions was, “How many times have you been in love?” It brings me such joy that he wrote, “Only once – with your Gogo.” That’s my grandma name. (The Papa Book is a book of questions that our daughter gave us for Christmas 2019. We filled them out in 2020 as we sat in all those hospitals.)
A Love That Lasts a Lifetime
And, I can truly report that I’ve only fallen in love once – with him. Yet, love is not just romantic love.
We were blessed to have two children. And, the love that I hold for them is just as great as the love I held for him. It’s different because it’s a different relationship, but it’s just as deep. Then, our daughter, Lauren, married Tony when they were a mere 18 years of age. (Another story for another time.) He came into the family when they were 15, and we embraced him as one of our own.
We were again blessed to have three grandchildren. And, my heart grew even larger with the addition of each of them. Then, in April after Bob went to Heaven, David met the love of his life and married her 18 months later in October 2022. I can’t help but love the one that loves my son so much.
The Blessings of a Loving Lineage
Yet, I was not only blessed with my own little family of which He and I were “Mom and Dad”/”Papa and Gogo”, I was more than blessed to have a lineage that loved me even before I was born. My parents are the perfect role models for marriage, love, and parenting. They loved me unconditionally, and I love them in return. And, I am so happy that I still have my mother to this day.
My maternal grandparents (Granny and Grampsy) lived about two miles from us most of my life and spoiled me as most grandparents do. (I always said that I was going to be a sane grandmother because she was so crazy about us. Yet, I learned immediately upon the birth of that first grandchild that those sane grandparents don’t exist.)
So, even though his love has burned deep into my soul, I try to remember that I have many who love me still with me this side of heaven and many who are with him. Love carries on.
Embracing the Journey Ahead
In the midst of grief, it is the love from our past and present that sustains us. Each memory, each connection, and each bond we have formed with our loved ones weaves a tapestry of love that extends beyond time and space. While the pain of loss is profound, it is through the enduring presence of love that we find the strength to continue.
As I move forward, I hold onto the love that has shaped my life. The love for my husband, my children, my grandchildren, and my extended family is a testament to the beauty of relationships. It reminds me that even in the face of loss, love remains a constant, guiding us through the darkest of times and illuminating our path with the warmth of cherished memories.
Conclusion: The Everlasting Power of Love
In conclusion, love is a powerful force that transcends the boundaries of life and death. It is the anchor that keeps us grounded, the light that guides us, and the strength that empowers us to move forward. As I navigate the journey of grief, I am reminded of the profound impact love has had on my life and the many blessings it continues to bring.
Love carries on, connecting us with those who have gone before us and those who are still with us. It is a testament to the enduring power of love and the beautiful legacy it leaves behind.
