I took a social media break to mourn…
January has felt like 6 months smashed into one when we’ve only gotten through 4 weeks out of 5. I lost my steam for a bit, honestly. This winter has been a bit hard on me mentally and physically. I found out last Sunday (January 19th) that my Uncle had passed away suddenly. It’s been hard on all of us, honestly. I took a social media break to recoup and be with my family. I wanted to post something for him and let you know I’ll be active again, hopefully at the start of the new month.
We lost my 61-year-old Uncle Bryan on Sunday. I joke that his older brother Larry is my favorite Uncle, but I don’t have a favorite Uncle. My Uncle Bryan was amazing and raised three just as amazing women. Nicole, who came with his marriage to my Aunt Patty, but you couldn't tell him she wasn’t HIS.
Uncle Bryan loved with all his heart. He cared for others more than he put himself first. Bryan was there to give you the shirt off his back and to remind you right from wrong. He loved his church community and shared that love with his wife and daughters. Uncle Bryan was also known for the work he did in his community.
I didn't get to see my Uncle Bryan often, but this is what first comes to mind when I think of him. I’ll also remember how he got on his hands and knees to play and make his grandkids laugh. I’ll remember the winks he gave us cousins when we were being mischievous, almost as if we were sharing a secret. I'll remember how he could get us on the dance floor.
Uncle Bryan’s hugs felt as strong as steel, and you knew he loved you. His words of compassion to help you through hard times would lift you. That is how I want to remember my Uncle Bryan—reminding myself that I was one lucky niece to have Bryan for an Uncle.
Losing someone suddenly, especially a beloved family member like Bryan Kienholz, can turn your world upside down. That feeling of January lasting an eternity, as the original post mentions, truly resonates. It’s a profound shock, and it’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed and need to step back from everyday life, just as taking a social media break can offer a vital space for personal reflection and healing. During such a difficult time, finding ways to honor and remember the person we've lost becomes incredibly important. One of the most touching ways to keep their spirit alive is by creating a memorial that truly captures their essence. I’ve often found solace in revisiting old photographs, piecing together a visual narrative of their life. Imagine gathering all those cherished moments – from childhood snapshots to recent gatherings – and arranging them into a memorial collage. It’s more than just pictures; it’s a tangible representation of a life well-lived, a journey from July 22, 1963, to January 19, 2025, filled with love and laughter. Each photograph tells a story, sparks a memory, and allows us to connect with them even when they’re no longer physically here. Beyond photos, sharing stories and anecdotes with family and friends can be incredibly therapeutic. Uncle Bryan Kienholz, as described, was a man who loved with all his heart, cared deeply for others, and was a pillar in his community. These are the qualities that shape a lasting legacy. Discussing his acts of kindness, his unwavering support, or even his playful winks, helps to solidify his place in everyone’s memories. It reminds us of the impact he had, not just on his immediate family, but on a wider circle of people who were touched by his generosity and warmth. It reinforces the idea that true love never fades. Processing grief is a deeply personal journey, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Some find comfort in quiet reflection, while others seek the embrace of their community. What truly matters is allowing yourself the space and time to feel, heal, and remember. Whether it’s through creating a beautiful memorial collage, sharing heartfelt stories, or simply taking a moment of silence to reflect on their life, every effort to remember a loved one contributes to keeping their memory vibrant. It’s a testament to the enduring love we carry for those who have left an indelible mark on our hearts.
I missed seeing you on here and have been wondering about you. I am so sorry for your loss. I’m sending you some big hugs and prayers.