Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Is there such a thing as Grief Relief?

My Uncle was finally laid to rest yesterday after passing on September 29th. It has been a long and emotional week for our small family. This is a huge loss for us. Since he began his health struggles, we have pulled together and prayed harder than we probably ever have. We have heard and seen things we would have never experienced without this situation. I know God will make this good. He has promised that much, but it doesn't make this feel any more right, any less painful, or any more "okay". It is not okay! My grief has come in the form of a constant migraine that I've had since last Monday. I can't even imagine how my aunt and cousins feel. Our family is small. My mom only has 1 sister, so I lost my only uncle. This comes on the heels of losing my grandma in December, so my family is getting smaller. I am determined to learn from this, as I don't want another family member to leave without my telling them how much they mean to me. I am so grateful for email, as my uncle and I exchanged so many emails while he was still able. He loved to play pranks and laugh and had an awesome sense of humor. Our connection was always based on something funny, so I sent him things to keep his spirits up. I told him how much God loved him. I am so glad I did that!! I learned a lot about that side of the family that have touched my heart. The way they cared for their dad and husband and how hard they fought with him was just so full of love. They kept a tireless vigil by his bedside, never leaving him alone. They were able to spend precious time with him that most of us don't get when someone dies.
I don't know if there is such a thing as "grief relief". Right now, there isn't. I will replay memories of my uncle in my mind for a long time. I will miss him and the light he brought into our family. For now, he will be perfecting his golf game in heaven, playing pranks on the angels, and waiting for all of us to come home.

1 comment:

Jennifer Bovee said...

Jami,
Im so sorry to hear of your loss. Your uncle sounds like he was a very special man in many many ways. What a blessing he must have been to you all. There really is nothing I can say to ease your pain or grief, but you are and will continue to be in my thoughts in prayers. May God be your constant comfort.

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