Hammocks and Rocking Chairs

The loss of a loved one is a something that we must all deal with at some point or another in our lifetime.  For some, the loss can be unexpected and devastating; for others, it's a welcome release from a life filled with pain.  Whatever the case, the sudden gap is felt.  

All we are left with is the memory of them.  But it's only once they're gone that you try to grasp onto them for the last time, trying to remember every detail.  The way they laughed and smiled, their sense of humor.  The way your hand fit so perfectly inside theirs and how soft their skin was.  The warmth of their embrace and how loved you felt.  They are memories we learn to cherish and be thankful for.  

The love of and for a grandparent is something so unique and profound.  It is something truly special and not to be taken for granted.  Each individual will have their own set of memories, perhaps special moments that you shared with them.  I personally remember a visit back home where my grandma called me over to her room and sneakily handed me some cash and said, "don't tell your grandpa or parents, this is just for you.  Go buy something nice."  I hugged her and gave her a kiss knowing refusal was not an option.  Ironically, later that same day, my grandpa called me over and handed me some cash and said the exact same thing.  I couldn't help but laugh at just how alike these two were.  I did in fact later tell my parents about it and they simply chuckled at their cheekiness.  

Walking through my grandparents house, you could always tell where my grand mother was.  She was forever singing church hymns while going about her daily business.  Her beautiful voice would echo off the high ceilings and always bring a smile to my face and fill my heart with love.  When she wasn't busy, you could find her sitting in her rocking chair, reading the bible (which I'm sure she knew by heart).  Her feet in her slippers, gently pushing back to rock, back and forth, back and forth.  I don't think she ever knew, but I used to watch her sitting there peacefully while she read.  

Her passing brings back many memories of my grandfather, who also passed nearly 4 years ago.  It seems so strange that so much time has gone by since in many ways, it feels like just yesterday I was there visiting them both.  Grandpa and I both had a love for hammocks.  It was usually a race to see who got to it first when we would visit.  My favourite memories are of the two of us cuddling on his hammock when I was a child.  On one particular visit, I had a terrible ear infection.  He put me on the hammock and put the drops in my ears then we sat together and talked.  He had me laughing in no time.  Before I knew it, my ears didn't hurt so much anymore. 

There are too many wonderful memories of these two it's amazing my heart can hold them all.  But I choose to remember them as they were not how they came to end, for their ending was not befitting of the life and love these two had for their children and grandchildren.  To all who have loved and lost wonderful grandparents, hold their memories close to your heart and they will never be forgotten.