Well, I can sure say that during this pandemic I have thought a lot about my dad, my mom and both my grandmothers. I have to say that I am thankful that they didn’t have to suffer through this. Although, my grandmothers did suffer through worst, the great depression while raising a family. I know that neither my mom or dad would have made it thru this. My mom had COPD so she was vulnurable to begin with and my dad with cancer wouldn’t have either. I am grateful that he went when he did, he was in a nursing home and so enjoyed visits from family and friends when they could. I went at least 4 times a week so with all of this going on and not being able to see him at all would have devastated him. I guess you could say there was a silver lining to his going, I’m sure God knew what was coming and didn’t want him to suffer and be depressed.
I’m still going thru the house items but I think now I can do it with less tears than before. It’s been over a year and I’m surprised how much I still do tear up at certain things. I took a break from cleaning over the holidays to enjoy time with family but I am ready to pick it up again. At least I know I’m on the downhill side of it now. Don’t get me wrong, I have for the most part enjoyed going thru most of the items. It allowed me to learn a lot of things about my grandmothers that I never knew before. They weren’t the type to toot their own horns so they never talked about how much they did or what they learned or even how they did it, they just did. I must admit, I knew some things, but I admire them so much more now that I know all of it. I just wish I could have talked to them about it and told them how proud of them I was.
My parents, I’ve learned a few things I didn’t know before about them. Not much, but the little I have picked up on and read about, makes me remember them a little different. They had their tough times both when they were married and before they got married. I understand why they didn’t want to discuss it before, I honestly believe that they may have thought I’d look at them differently or not respect them as much maybe. I think it’s just the opposite, I have more respect for them now knowing the things they went thru and overcame on their own before they found each other.
I know they are extremely happy where they are now, they are together again and surrounded by loved ones. And they are watching me and making sure I’m safe. They still send me advice now and then, and I am very grateful they do. I miss and love them all so much.