So, it’s been a while, eh?
I’ve not neglected the blog, I’m just simply not neglecting life.
My grandmother passed away last month and I’ve been in a bit of a haze. Head’s been a bit of a jungle - juggling normalcy on one side and proving work-life balance on the other; holding on to muffled tears at one point and crying like there’s no tomorrow the next.
My cousin D and I have felt the intensity of it - she was there when it happened, and we were there when the body was taken away. The gravity of not being able to see her everyday (D), and the hugeness of knowing I can’t see her when I can, is quite unnerving.
And it’s always hard to grieve. Not especially when you’re expected to run 100 miles per hour.
Sometimes, there’s an intense heat running down my stomach attempting to kill my insides and I just let it. The desire to sever all senses is so immense and I would love to – for at least a couple of hours – not feel anything, not think of anything, not sense anything. In the most random moments I hear her laughter and I see her face. It’s all good until the giggles turn into screaming and her smile turns to tears. I begin shutting this out until I realise I can only have her in those moments. Those memories.
Grief is a funny thing, is it not? It comes with an ocean of sadness in unpredictable waves, the guilt of trying to move on for wanting to be normal, and the emptiness that can never be replaced.
The truth is, this cycle is vicious but life will go on, and you’ll have happier - if not the best of - days.
Although you do live with a hole in your heart.
But, as they say, you’ll be okay.
My grandmother was an amazing woman. She’s been through tough times, having lost her husband so young. Still, she managed to raise her children and grandchildren to become the successful people they are today.
Here’s to a woman who had always championed love - of her family, of her in-laws, of those who knew her and of her, of the only man she had ever really loved. I hope as we all try to take steps and go forward, my Nanay is up there smiling at us with my Tatay dancing in the moonlight.
Love and light, Nanay.
You can follow new posts on The Girl Next Shore via Twitter and Instagram and Pepo and Facebook or by subscribing on Bloglovin. Have fun!
Your Story of Love is absolutely wonderful and for me, it came at a very poignant time - I too lost someone very dear to me last month - My Dad, my mentor, my Number One Fan, the one who always looked out for me, loved me more than anyone and would do anything for me. The loss I feel is immense, I haven’t been able to rationalise it yet and living without his physical presence is incredibly hard - so I feel your pain and your grief and I agree we’ll have good days and sad days and your Grandmother and my Father will live on through us. My mantra right now is my Dad was so happy when I was happy so I must be happy for him.
My best wishes to you
Caro
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s obvious from your words what a big part she played in your life. It’s hard when someone that important dies, but it is up to us to remember with love and happiness and pass on the wisdom of generations. Thinking of you. GG
I’m so sorry for your loss. I am dreading the day we loose my Gabdmas as they are such a huge part of our lives x
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a grandparent is tough and I hope that you will soon be able to dwell on all the happy memories and not the sadness of losing her
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. I’m not at all surprised you needed to take a brief step back from blogging darling. I hope that soon all of the happy moments you spent with her will overpower the sadness of losing her. Lots of love, x
I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother passing away. Please accept my condolences xx
I’m so sorry for your loss. This was beautifully written. It sounds like she was a massive part of yours and your cousins life so it’s going to take a long time to heal. Sending love x
I’m so sorry for you loss Honey, this is a beautifully eloquent post.
*hugs* - I love your writing about your Nanay - and I love the photo of her and the watercolour. A beautiful memory and I hope a cathartic post for you