July 8, 2012

July 8, 2012

     Today I went to a visitation for my Grandma’s sister, she was eighty-two. As I was sitting towards the back of the funeral home with my husband and our two boys, I looked up at the front row holding all of my Grandma’s siblings and I couldn’t help but think how lucky they are to have each other. My Grandma had four brothers and four sisters. Today, sitting with her are just two sisters and two brothers. I couldn’t help but think that when someday my brother and I are in the same situation we won’t be there for each other because it is just the two of us. Seeing all of my great-aunts and great-uncles up there together makes me want a big family so our children have each other to lean on one day. You know my Grandma and her siblings are best friends. The sister that just passed away was my Grandma’s running buddy. I mean, as the years have gone by they have slowed down, but my Grandma had become more of a caretaker for her. Grandma started taking her to the doctor and to the grocery store since she could take herself anymore. I see the pain and grief in my Grandma’s old and tired eyes. She is eighty-four and I know by now she realizes death is a very real part of her life, but I know she still hurts so bad losing her sister and best friend. She talked to her sister every day, if not more than that. I can’t even begin to imagine being at her age and seeing her family age, but at the same time it’s a blessing to have all of those siblings there for each other. I want my children to have each other when we aren’t around for them anymore. I think that is the least we can do for them; ensure they will have siblings to lean on.