A couple of years ago, my grandmother died. She was my last remaining grandparent and we'd been close when she was alive. I'd lived with her for a while during my early teens. She probably taught me more about unconditional love than anyone before or since. So as you can imagine, although I couldn't begrudge her passing (she'd been unwell and in pain for a long time and at least that was over) of course I missed her terribly.
My friend, Alan, realized that I was taking this loss harder than any loss before and that I was struggling. Unknown to me, he got in touch with several of my friends and told them I was having a hard time. For the next couple of weeks the postman delivered something to me every day; small tokens from each of my friends to let me know they cared, timed so that I would have one of these thoughtful reminders every morning.
I was grateful to all my dear friends for their kindness but most of all to Alan for thinking of such a lovely thing to do and for organizing it in such a way that I would feel loved every day.
I don't believe I've ever told him quite how touched I was by this act of friendship, or how much difference it made to me. Sometimes, at the time, it's hard to find the words.
So I hope he'll see this story here and know how brilliant I think he is.
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- Posted by Peri
- Oct 1, 2013
- Comments (8)
Readers Comments
luetz wrote: Wow. That is deep and meaningful. I can see how touched you are by this experience. Thank you for sharing!
shreyansh wrote: Alan. What to say. U r d best. Keep caring for people. And thank u so much for sharing the story.
sandra wrote: I'm writing from a different perspective. That of a grandmother who also has a very special relationship with my grand-daughter. I know your friends were wonderful to notice your grief, it is something that doesn't go away with the burial. There are so many moments that remind you of the sharing, caring relationship you miss. Know that, as it sounds you do, your grandmother no longer has any pain and she would want you to remember the good moments, but to also get on with your life - use her years of guidance to your advantage and become the kind of person she has always been proud of. May you feel god's blessing upon you through the years.
Pokerbrookie wrote: This is one of the best stories i've read in a long time. I lost my grandmother after 2 years of being her live-in caregivier. That was july 2012. I'm just starting to get back to some semblance of normal. Actually this week id the first time i've seriously job-hunted, (i have a ton of interviews) and decided to continue in the elder care field. This story inspired me
Dobby wrote: What a wonderful friend you have in Alan and wonderful friends who rallied to his call to help you thru this difficult time! May God bless each of them!
Mish wrote: That was so wonderfully thoughtful of all your friends... You must be a good friend to elicit such acts of kindness from them.
jsmc10 wrote: This is so powerful, such wonderful, supportive friends. I am so sorry for your loss aswell, I know its not easy at all *hugs*
Peri wrote: Thank you all xxx
