I remember this day… this day four years ago, like it was yesterday.
I remember being stuck at work in meeting after meeting.
I remember finally getting a break and checking my phone for messages.
I remember hearing a voicemail from my dad, not liking what I heard in his voice.
I remember calling him back and hearing him tell me the inevitable: my grandmother had died… and my whole world shifted.
I remember trying to keep my composure at work, but failing miserably.
I remember telling my co-worker, I had to leave because of an emergency. I gripped the steering wheel the entire way home, vaguely aware that the brake pedal had been applied, and I was now sitting in my garage.
I remember my husband, then fiancée, holding me as my body was racked with uncontrollable sobbing.
I remember the funeral, but not the days in between. It’s all a blur, still.
I remember how many people came to say good-bye and I was moved to tears again, by how many lives you touched Grandma, with your grace and quiet humility.
I remember trying to be strong for my dad.
I remember coming back home after the funeral and collapsing on the kitchen floor, because the tears would not subside.
They say time heals all wounds, but that is a lie. My wounds are still open, raw, and full of salt.
I remember all the time.
It’s been four years and all it takes is hearing a certain word or seeing your picture and I sob incoherently for minutes on end.
It still hurts and I don’t forget.
I remember you being an instrumental part of my childhood, the mother I didn’t have, the female figure to aspire to.
I remember you being one with your faith and instilling that faith into me.
I hate the fact that you never got to hold your great-granddaughter, but I know you see her. And see that her smile, is your smile.
I don’t forget, and on days like today and your birthday, the awareness that you are really gone, is even more heightened.
I miss you Grandma and I cry as I write this. You live on through my father, through me, and through my daughter.
I will always remember…
**Sidenote: I wrote this post originally on my old blog 5 years ago. It has now been 9 years since my grandma passed away and I still miss her more than ever. I love you, my sweet guardian angel ♥
Ruth says
OK, now I’m crying too. Maybe because my mom isn’t doing well. Maybe because it brings up the loss of my dad. Of course the hope is that we’ll all live lives that honour our departed loved ones without being crippled by grief. I hope that’s true for you most of the time, Mackenzie. But you capture your loss powerfully in this post.
Mackenzie @organicbutterflyblog says
Thank you for your sweet words Ruth. Prayers for you and you mother. *hugs*
A Mindful Migration (@MindfulMigrate) says
Oh Mackenzie. So beautiful and heartfelt. Loved ones live on in our hearts and souls. Some days the grief is raw and the tears hurt. Other days there is so much joy and love in those memories and the tears cleanse. It sounds like your Grandma was an amazing lady and inspiration to you. You know she’s looking down on you, so proud of you and her great-grandaughter.
Mackenzie @organicbutterflyblog says
Thank you for your kind words Tanya. My grandmother was indeed an amazing lady and I feel blessed to have had her in my life as long as I did.
Tonya (Budget & the Beach) says
Sounds like your grandma was a very special lady to you! I wish I could bring my grandparents back too!
Mackenzie @organicbutterflyblog says
Thanks Tonya. Yes, it would be so nice to have our grandparents back in our lives!