Grief With Direction
How do you explain a year of grief when it's also been a year of growth? On February 13, 2025, my grandfather, Roger Dunham, met Jesus at the Gates of Heaven. The day before, our whole family gathered at the hospital and said our final goodbyes. Their pastor, Michael Ten Eyke, surrounded us with prayer and song. Grandpa's favorite songs, specifically Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone, filled the room, along with sniffles from quiet sobs and silence in between verses. He was surrounded by his family and was visited by many community members. I remember the day like it was yesterday; however, I can't help but also feel like it's been years since then. One of the final things I told my grandpa was that Alex, my then-boyfriend of 2 years, and I wanted to get married. One year later, our wedding is 22 days away. Man, I wish you could be there, but I'll be saving you a seat, along with Grandma Lois and Grandpa John, and Alex's grandpa...