The saying 'what is grief if not love persevering' truly resonates with me, especially as the holiday season approaches. It's a profound thought that helps frame the overwhelming emotions we feel when someone we adore is no longer physically with us. For me, missing my Nana and Granny during Thanksgiving and Christmas has become an annual bittersweet experience. It’s been 6 years without Nana and 15 without Granny, and each year, their absence is felt in both familiar and new ways. I’ve learned that grief isn't a linear path, nor is it just about sadness. It's a complex tapestry woven with memories, longing, gratitude, and sometimes even unexpected joy when a cherished memory of a smiling face, perhaps like the one in that old photograph of my Nana with her curly white hair, pops into my mind. These memories, captured in pictures, become even more precious as time goes on, serving as tangible connections to the love that continues to live on. When we talk about 'words to comfort the grieving,' sometimes it's less about finding the perfect phrase and more about simply being present. I've found immense comfort in friends who acknowledge my loss, who let me share stories about my Nana and Granny, or who simply sit with me in silence when the memories are too heavy for words. It's about validating the pain, recognizing that this love is persevering, and creating space for it. Sometimes, just hearing, 'I remember them too' or 'I’m thinking of you' can mean the world. There are so many dimensions to grief, almost like different 'types of grief' we navigate. There's the immediate, acute pain, but then there's also the ongoing, chronic grief that resurfaces, especially during significant dates or family gatherings. We might experience anticipatory grief before a loss, or even disenfranchised grief when our sorrow isn't fully recognized by others. For me, the grief during holidays feels somewhat different – it’s a collective ache for traditions that have changed, for laughter that's missing, and for the embrace of a loved one that can no longer be given. It's a reminder that their physical presence is gone, but the love, joy, and wisdom they shared remain, shaping who I am today. Ultimately, my journey through grief has taught me that honoring their memory isn't about forgetting the pain, but about embracing the love that caused it. It’s about keeping their stories alive, perhaps by cooking a favorite family recipe or sharing anecdotes. It's a reminder that even after so many years, the love for these two incredible ladies continues to shape my life, making their perseverance through my heart. For anyone navigating similar feelings, know that your grief is valid, your love is eternal, and you are not alone in this journey of persevering love.