tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24781577.post6969443746189711093..comments2023-10-29T09:52:03.239-04:00Comments on Just Noticeable Differences: Grieving for our ParentsFree Operanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01213177543015935126noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24781577.post-36475997396656873302009-07-02T17:09:50.703-04:002009-07-02T17:09:50.703-04:00Such a beautiful, poignant moment captured there. ...Such a beautiful, poignant moment captured there. Thanks for sharing it! Those who have that opportunity to choose whether to speak or keep their own counsel, while still finding peace within themselves, are truly blessed.<br /><br />I always regretted never saying goodbye to my grandmother. When she died, I was ten and unaware how close we were to losing her. While my siblings and parents were upstairs visiting her, I played on a swing outside.<br /><br />More relatives arrived and the house got busier. As we were getting into the car to leave, my mother looked at me quizzically and said, "Did you go see your gran?". <br /><br />I lied and said yes, not wanting to get into trouble. We'd been there every day for weeks and I knew I'd see her tomorrow. <br /><br />She died that night. <br /><br />I never said goodbye. Thirty years later I still can't forgive myself, although I know my gran would have. <br /><br />Her death shaped me just as much as her life of kindness and generousity of spirit did. It taught me never to take for granted that a loved one will be there tomorrow and to say 'I love you' more often.<br /><br />Throughout life we make mistakes, whether as children or parents. It's unavoidable. Someone I love taught me you need to give people the right to be wrong, if you want that right for yourself. <br /><br />There is peace to be found in our commonality.Kay Elizabethhttp://www.hillholler.comnoreply@blogger.com