How to Grieve

To be honest, this post may be titled incorrectly, because everyone experiences the grieving process differently. There might be some sort of process out there that explains the general transitions through the process of grieving, whether it's five steps or seven, it isn't an easy process.

And for me, I think I am grieving before my loved one has even departed. I may have mentioned at some point last year my beloved Nonna, she hasn't been doing so well, and has been in and out of the hospital for various reasons over the past two years. But let me say it loud, she is a fighter. Honestly, one of the strongest little ladies I've ever met.

The reason why I feel I am grieving before her death is that she's lost her ability to speak and is unresponsive to us. However, this morning, when I said hello she did seem to moan as a response to my greeting. Anyway, the point is, I feel that I've already lost such a beautiful and amazing lady, although her heart is still beating and she has breath in her lungs. How I would love to hear her voice in a cohesive sentence again.

I believe I'm writing this post to process my own thoughts, but at the same time I hope to be of encouragement to you, or simply anyone who is going through a similar situation. Because one day, you will. But there is hope, depending on where you've placed it. I know for a fact that my grandmother has accepted Jesus into her heart as her Saviour (Romans 10:9) and she has chosen life, and therefore will have life eternal (Deut 30:19 & John 3:16). And since I, myself, have accepted Jesus into my heart and life... this means, I, too, will be with Him and Nonna one day.. That is, when she passes away.

When we depart from our mortal bodies here on earth - being that we've accepted the work Christ has done on the cross and in our lives - we will be in the presence of the Lord. It says in 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 ESV: "So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away [absent] from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord." What a beautiful hope and image for us.

There is so much more which I am still processing in my mind and heart... If I am to get through this, I must keep my hope on Christ. I have received advice to release Nonna, to tell her that I love her, how great of a grandma she's been, to thank her for her example of faith and great love, and to let her know that I'll be okay when she goes to be with the Lord. Because death is a physical thing in our bodies, and if there is an opportunity for closure I should take it. 

I have also received encouragement, through prayer and gentle words. Been given the reminder to allow God's peace to rule in our hearts, and God is our source of comfort but we are still to comfort each other. My goal is not to disconnect, to make sure I keep in the Word of God and in the company of loved ones.

More to come, God bless.