Gratefulness in the Grief
/As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to talk about gratefulness through times of grief and sorrow.
November 4 will be eight years since my Nana left this earth. Nana was my person, she was my biggest cheerleader, and I was her sunshine. She was the best prayer warrior I’ve ever known, when she prayed, things always seemed to get better.
She taught me how to pray without ceasing, even for a parking space. She taught me about forgiveness and to look beyond outward appearances, often saying: “You never know what’s in a person‘s heart.”
Nana also taught me about perseverance, no matter what as she would also often say: “Keep believing, look up, don’t look down.”
When she died suddenly, it took the joy out of my heart and the wind out of my wings for a minute.
One day, I was sitting in my office chair, missing her, and I heard her words, “You’ve gotta go on with your life” (another wise thing she would say to me just when I needed it). Go figure that her words would echo in my mind yet again at the perfect time…
So, I started thinking about what I could do to honor her memory. One thing has been to continue sharing her wise sayings and the other is to continue spreading kindness as she often did. I’m so grateful for all she did for and taught me throughout my life.
Maybe some of the following ideas can help you to honor your loved one that’s no longer here:
Anonymously buy someone’s meal on the anniversary of their birthday or passing.
Write them a letter of gratitude, put it in a balloon and release it.
Listen to their favorite music.
Put their pictures some place you’ll see each day and talk to them.
Share their life story and how they added to your life.
Release lanterns.
Whatever you decide to do, just remember our hearts can be grateful even when we’re grieving.
Keep believing!
Joelle ❤️