What can I tell my mother whose mother just passed away? I have my own words, but I need a little help. She is slightly agnostic, and has questioned me on my thoughts and beliefs on several subjects that tells me she is once again conflicted. I choose my words carefully. My grandmother was an amazing soft-hearted wonder woman with a large family and many friends who are having a rough time. My mother is her eldest child. I'm appreciative of any assistance.
** Thank you all for your incredibly valuable words of wisdom and condolences. I'm grateful that I have you, and I'm glad that I came here to ask. I'll do my best.
Sometimes a lot of words aren't needed. Be there and support her. Be an active listener and provide words of encouragement. Try to think about all the good things her mother brought into your lives. And make sure you take care of yourself as well. I know how hard losses like this can be. Wishing you and your family the best.
What helped me during these times was talking about something else as a distraction. When I was alone with my thoughts I would go through that heart breaking grief. Time away from those thoughts were always appreciated. I am truly sorry for your family's loss.
"Time away from those thoughts" - you put it most excellent well.
@anglophone Thank you.
Don't try to tell her anything. Just listen. Be understanding. There really aren't any appropriate words at a time like this anyway.
What you have told us here sound wonderful. Your grandmother sounds like a marvelous individual who will remain in your memories forever.
My wife passed away several months ago and I still grieve for her. Grieving isn't something you do once and then It's over. It lasts as new events and things you come across trigger memories. I'm been surprised at times what funny little things bring up memories of her. I have a therapist who encouraged me to think of these memories as gems of her life as they emerge and I have written some of them down in a journal. Each one is a part of what her life with me meant. Special moments of enjoyment of our life together. I will always miss her and her memory will always stay with me as I continue to live my life.
I wish you both peace and love, and offer my condolences on your loss.
Tell her that your grandmother positively influenced the thoughts and actions of many people. So long as those people pass on the positive beliefs, attitudes and behaviors to others, the impact of your grandmother is not gone in an important sense. Physically she is gone, but he memories and influences she left remain with us.
I have seen in another the conflict between the emotional need for comfort seen by some in religion and the intellectual understanding of the finality of death. Only your mother can decide for herself which path she will follow. Affirm her decisions.
I have supported one person on his own journey into theism under similar circumstances.
I know it sounds trite, but I wish you all the very best in your efforts.
This is a clip of Neil de Grasse Tyson talking to Larry King about death.
I am going to assume your grandmother was a good woman/mom/friend and she likely lived a long life. What would she have considered her purpose? For women of the generation I"m guessing your grandmother was it was to be a good mom/wife/friend/citizen. That you're asking for your mom tells me grandma raised good daughters and influenced you as well. Also, if we lived forever as Neil says, we'd have no reason to do it today when tomorrow is always available. And as we don't live forever we wear out and we pass on. But the lives your grandmother touched and inspired will live for generations. Personally I don't fear death at old age. I fear premature death and I think I'm reaching the age where it would no longer premature. What I really fear is suffering. I want a good, clean, non suffering death when I'm old, frail, and broke.
Thank you for this. I totally feel that this was my late partners belief. She always said she understood the life-death connection even at a young age. She had a marvelous childhood but then 25 years of her first marriage in misery. Then she dumped the guy and 5 years later made it to this part of the country and her life took off. Her bucket list was overflowing and she did make a big impression on everyone she met. When it was time, at 62, she was more ready than many others wanted her to be. Even her own brother and sister-in-law pushed her against the DwD program and she sent them packing. Sometimes, it's harder on others than oneself. Her paternal grandmother was a religious zealot (Moslem) but it was her mother (an illiterate) and maternal grandfather that made her who she became.
It's obvious you're grieving as well and that your grandmother was a treasure. As many others have said listening is often the greatest gift you can give the bereaved.
I believe the memories our loved ones leave us comfort us in our time of need and that they live forever in our minds. Dwelling on those treasures has always helped me and I hope will help your mother and yourself.
Oh I can say is I'm sorry about the loss, both of my parents died my mom in 2002 my dad within a year mainly because of loneliness in my opinion, I've always taken comfort in the fact that they are still alive in my mind as long as my memory tracks stay intact they will be there for what it's worth, stay strong help your mom. And a virtual hug to you.
How about asking your mother about her favorite memories of your grandmother....
I think that this is an excellent idea. It's normal, after a death, to do a sort of review of the relationship - the memories come tumbling out of the corners of our minds. It can mean so much to be able to share these memories with someone.
@AmyTheBruce thank you.... I thought so.
Carl Sagan's wife, Ann Druyan spoke beautifully how she feels about her husband's death, worth the read:
[goodreads.com]