Saying goodbye to loved ones

How do you begin to say goodbye to someone who has had such an impact on your life?

Not all of us are fortunate enough to have someone guide us through life, teaching us right from wrong, what could be dangerous or hurt us, or to love us unconditionally.

For those of you who have, never take that for granted because there are plenty out there who have not.

For myself, that person who has always been my rock has been my granny.

From 5 weeks old, she raised me, teaching me all of the things that parents should teach a child.

Among the countless things she taught me, I learned how to be independent, stand up for myself, and care for animals. If any of you knew her personally, animals were a big part of who she was.

As a child, I always looked to her as an unstoppable force. Abrasive at times, many times, she is the most hard-headed individual I think I have and will ever meet.

Every dance recital, drama performance, art showcasing, voice recital, graduations, the birth of my child, she was sitting right beside my mother. Both of them have always been my biggest cheerleaders.

While they both probably regard themselves as just average people, they will never know how much of an impact they have had on me and their values have helped shape and mold me into who I am today.

Several years ago, the reality of her being merely human struck our family.

Age, mixed with health issues, showed that this rock of a woman did have weaknesses.

The realization hit furiously, and it almost felt as if her rough, stony exterior was crumbling.

Last year, she went to the hospital and never came home.

None of us could have ever predicted just how fragile she had become.

Following a hospital stay, she has been under 24 hour care in different facilities in the area.

Watching a loved one’s body and mind deteriorate is honestly one of the most heart-wrenching experiences and sadly, it happens far too often to too many families.

This journey has taught me to never take someone you love for granted. Many times, my thoughts travel to memories of us just taking trips out of town to go to Shreveport and shop for the day, a pastime that both of us enjoy immensely.

What I wouldn’t give to be able to just take one more trip, to have one more conversation, apply her makeup for her, or to help her pick out an outfit for that evening.

Of all the things she taught me, one she never did was how to say goodbye.

We are not sure of how much time we have left with her, or when she will take her journey to the next realm, but we know for sure that she knows that she will leave behind a legacy that she could never fathom and she is loved beyond all measures.