Loved
Posted: February 13, 2013 Filed under: Brothers Karamazov 2 CommentsI haven’t really ever had to deal with losing a loved one. My mom’s dad died when she was a little girl, and my dad’s mom passed away when I was just a little too young to feel sad about the abstract concept of death. The first time I remember being impacted by a death was when my bishop passed away when I was 16. I was impressed by how upbeat his family was at his funeral – they’d known he was going to die soon, and their faith gave them perspective. Since then, I’ve only been to two other funerals – one for our stake patriarch, whose wife had passed away many years before, and who everyone felt was ready to go; and one for my aunt, who’d had a long battle with cancer. I remember that occasion as being sacred and reverent. Every aspect of it was carried out with deep respect and love.
Jarom’s grandmother passed away yesterday. She had been in poor health for the past year and hospitalized recently, but her condition had been improving, so this was sudden and unexpected and heartbreaking. His grandparents had been married over 60 years, and I can’t imagine how his grandfather is feeling now. It’s been hard for everyone, with so many prayers in her behalf and great hopes that she was on the mend. I’m glad we all got to visit over Thanksgiving, and have that memory.
We’ll be heading down to the funeral soon – I don’t know the exact date yet – so there may not be regular posts for a few days.
Have you had to deal with this kind of loss? What would you suggest that I do to help Jarom and his family out?
Jarom
Mika
hilleries 
Physical presence and hugs. A little hand squeeze. Be comfortable saying “I’m so sorry…” Followed by whatever you feel needs to be said. Knowing that you care that they are grieving is all that is needed. Then remember in the months ahead to include grandpa whenever possible in you lives. He will need that more than ever.
Those are my thoughts.
This is where our knowledge of the Plan of Salvation really benefits us. We know death is not the end of our existence and that we can be with our families in the eternities. Death hasn’t been a stranger in my family. One of the best things we like to do is reminisce about the person and look at old pictures. Celebrate their life and the experiences you shared with them. Remember things they taught you or your favorite things about them. Then, write down those things to help lay the person to rest on a positive note.