Grandma 🫶
I’m sorry Grandma. I’m sorry for the child I was and the anger I held within me. I’m sorry that we both were handed a situation that neither of us deserved. But I say that and I realize that although I did deserve for my biological mother to do better and be better, I got a mother in you. You stepped up and chose to raise me and you stepped up and became everything she wasn’t. & I am so sorry that while you were alive, I couldn’t see that, I couldn’t appreciate that.
What I wouldn’t do as an adult now, to be able to pick up the phone and call Heaven and hear your voice and talk to you. To hear that you love me.
So many things you said to me as a kid, make sense as an adult or I stop and think “my grandma used to say that.”
I find myself finding comfort in the shows we watched together and in the books you would read. I find myself following your advice more now as an adult than I could have ever imagined doing so as a kid.
I love you Grandma. Thank you for being my rock as a child and my light as an adult. I hope Heaven is all you hoped it was and more.
#grandma #imissyou #rip #imissyougrandma #thankyouforeverything #thankyou #happybirthday #happyheavenlybirthday
Navigating complex family relationships can be incredibly challenging, especially when the person who steps into a maternal role isn't your biological mother. My own experience with my grandma taught me so much about unconditional love, sacrifice, and the enduring power of family, even when it looks a little different from what society expects. It’s a journey I know many can relate to, much like stories we hear about figures like J.D. Vance's mom, where a strong, often unconventional, maternal presence shapes a life. Looking back, I realize how common it is for grandparents to take on such pivotal roles. They often bring a unique blend of wisdom, patience, and unwavering support. For me, my grandma wasn't just a grandparent; she was the anchor that kept me grounded, the steady hand that guided me through childhood storms. I often think back to those moments, like captured in old photos – maybe me, a little girl with glasses, hugging her, or just seeing her kind, smiling face, often in her favorite patterned shirt or a cozy red turtleneck, just radiating warmth. Those images, and the feeling they evoke, are a huge part of her legacy. One of the hardest parts of grieving is the realization of what you didn't appreciate while someone was alive. I spent years holding onto childhood anger and misunderstanding, not fully grasping the immense sacrifice and love she poured into me. It's a sentiment I've heard echoed by others who’ve had similar experiences – that aching regret for words left unsaid or appreciation not fully expressed. Now, as an adult, I find myself clinging to her memory, finding comfort in the shows we watched together, the books she loved, and especially her timeless advice. It’s amazing how her words, once just quaint sayings, now resonate with profound truth in my own life. For anyone out there who has a grandparent who stepped up, or who is navigating the loss of such a vital figure, know that you’re not alone. It’s a unique kind of bond, forged in challenging circumstances, but often resulting in the deepest love. Cherish those memories, hold onto their wisdom, and allow yourself to grieve. Even though she's no longer physically here, her spirit, her lessons, and her love continue to light my path. She truly was my rock as a child and my guiding light as an adult. I hope this helps you reflect on the incredible impact a non-biological maternal figure can have in your life too.
