As 2024 is coming to an end, I was thinking of my 2025 goals. One of those goals is to start writing this blog again. I am back. Although that is all wonderful and stuff, the first post is a not great subject.

The week before Thanksgiving this year, as we now believe, my grandma had a heartattack. She was sick all week and not doing good. Thanksgiving day my grandma slept surrounded my loved ones. The next day she went to live with her Savior, Jesus Christ.

I do suffer from depression but had been managing it well this year—until her death. My grandma was my last living grandparent. I was very fortunate to have known my grandparents, as I know not everyone is so lucky. This grief has been hard to cope with, but I’m hoping that writing this will help me process and manage it.

Honoring My Grandma’s Legacy

Losing a grandparent is a profound experience, one that leaves an indelible mark on our hearts. For me, the grief of saying goodbye to my grandma also brought an unexpected gift: a deeper connection to my family’s history and an urgency to preserve their legacy.

The Life She Lived

My grandma grew up in a small town, her childhood marked by simplicity and resilience. As an adult, they became the pillar of our family—someone whose warmth and wisdom brought us together during every holiday and celebration.

Her stories were full of wonder. I remember sitting around the dinner table as she rememered tales of growing up during a time when the world was vastly different. These moments were more than storytelling; they included lessons in courage, kindness, and perseverance. It wasn’t until after she passed that I realized how much of our family’s history was stored in her memories.

The Weight of Grief

When she passed, I felt an overwhelming sense of loss. Her absence left a void, not just in our family gatherings but in the connection to our shared past. Grief, however, has a way of reshaping us. As I’m working through my sadness, I found myself turning to their stories for comfort. Those memories are becoming a lifeline, helping me process the loss and celebrate her incredible life.

Preserving Her Memory

One of the ways I’m coping with the grief is by documenting everything I can remember about her. I’m combing through old photographs, letters, and even recipe cards. Each artifact is a piece of the puzzle that is bringing her story back to life.

I want to talk to other family members, collect their favorite memories and anecdotes. Together, we can piece together a fuller picture of who my grandma was, not just to me but to everyone who loved her. I hope these efforts will culminate in a family history book, a labor of love that will serve as a treasured keepsake.

Connecting to Family History

As I delve into my grandma’s life, I find myself drawn into the broader narrative of our family’s past. I have began researching her parents and grandparents, uncovering stories I’d never heard before. I learned about the challenges they faced, the traditions they might have upheld, and the sacrifices they made to create a better future for their children and grandchildren.

Through this process, I discovered a new sense of purpose. Preserving my grandma’s memory isn’t just about honoring her; it is about ensuring that future generations will understand and appreciate where they came from.

Lessons Learned

The loss of a loved one is never easy, but it can serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing our family’s stories. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned:

1. Capture Memories While You Can: Spend time with your loved ones and document their stories. Ask about their childhood, their dreams, and the moments that shaped their lives.
2. Preserve Artifacts: Keep photographs, letters, and other mementos safe. These items hold invaluable memories that can be passed down for generations.
3. Celebrate Their Life: Honor your loved one’s legacy by sharing their stories with others. Whether it’s through a family history book, a scrapbook, or a simple conversation, keeping their memory alive is a beautiful tribute.
4. Turn Grief into Action: Channel your emotions into preserving your family’s history. It can be a healing process and a meaningful way to connect with your roots.

Encouragement for Others

If you’ve recently lost a grandparent or another loved one, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on their life and the impact they had on your family. Write down your favorite memories, ask relatives to share their stories, and consider creating a project to honor their legacy.

Grief can be a heavy burden, but through it, we often find a renewed appreciation for the people who shaped us. By preserving their memory, we ensure that their stories will continue to inspire and connect us for generations to come.