My grandfather just died a week and one day ago. We were very close, living in the same town and seeing each other very often. Although he was battling cancer and had taken a turn for the worst, I was not prepared to let go. The most ironic thing happened after he passed away in my class the next day. The class is human development in the social setting and since it was the last class, we discussed the last stage of development, death. I sat squirming in my chair for two hours and fifteen minutes while we discussed.
It is fascinating how we are so afraid to speak about death. It is such a taboo in our society to talk about it so we avoid it at all costs. The class actually gave me piece of mind about my grandfather. Some people want to do anything they can to live a little longer, even if it means living longer in unbearable pain. He was not happy or comfortable, and it was time for him to stop suffering.
Death is a part of life and something all must accept at one point. It is so hard to lose somebody you love, but it is selfish to want them to stay when they may not want to be here anymore. When I first came home and saw my family, it was hard to not stop crying. Now I know that he is happy and not suffering. There are many questions we face after a loved one has died, but I think that we should focus on the memories they have left behind with us.
I'm sorry you lost your grandfather, but I think you are on the right track in your thinking about his death. It helps to focus on the good memories. That's what I try to do too.
ReplyDelete