I love this so much. I don’t know if there is a term for this but I grieve a grandmother I never met. My dad lost his mom as a teen, and her life and legacy is so woven into our lives that nearly every day I wonder what it will be like to know her. I grieve that I never had the chance to be in relationship with her. I’ve practiced this Sacred Collecting my entire life without knowing it. Every chance I have to learn about her, I cling to. Pieces of furniture that were once hers, little cross stitch pieces she worked with her hands, they’ve found a home in my home and connect me to her. I find her when I hear my dad play her piano (or any piano). I find her in my own name. I find her in my faith, in my commitment to mothering, in my strength and sometimes willful stubbornness. I’m sure I’ll continue to find her in all kinds of new and surprising ways!
Jana, what an incredibly beautiful legacy your grandmother left in her life! Isn't it incredible the way the depth of heart can know another, even when we never got to spend time with them earthside?! I love the idea that there is still so much movement and newness in your relationship of finding her. We often think of death, especially of someone we didn't get to meet as "final" and yet here you and her are, having a lovely relationship through legacy. And thank God for that sometimes willful stubbornness she gave you! ;)
Taking those few moments to collect from my grandpa and “his chair” (think Sheldon Cooper’s, that’s my spot), his smile with crinkled eyes, his slow gait towards the back bedroom for his afternoon nap, his ability to sit in peace, silence and stillness. Very appreciated today ♥️
I love this so much. I don’t know if there is a term for this but I grieve a grandmother I never met. My dad lost his mom as a teen, and her life and legacy is so woven into our lives that nearly every day I wonder what it will be like to know her. I grieve that I never had the chance to be in relationship with her. I’ve practiced this Sacred Collecting my entire life without knowing it. Every chance I have to learn about her, I cling to. Pieces of furniture that were once hers, little cross stitch pieces she worked with her hands, they’ve found a home in my home and connect me to her. I find her when I hear my dad play her piano (or any piano). I find her in my own name. I find her in my faith, in my commitment to mothering, in my strength and sometimes willful stubbornness. I’m sure I’ll continue to find her in all kinds of new and surprising ways!
Jana, what an incredibly beautiful legacy your grandmother left in her life! Isn't it incredible the way the depth of heart can know another, even when we never got to spend time with them earthside?! I love the idea that there is still so much movement and newness in your relationship of finding her. We often think of death, especially of someone we didn't get to meet as "final" and yet here you and her are, having a lovely relationship through legacy. And thank God for that sometimes willful stubbornness she gave you! ;)
I really enjoyed and appreciated that meditation.
Taking those few moments to collect from my grandpa and “his chair” (think Sheldon Cooper’s, that’s my spot), his smile with crinkled eyes, his slow gait towards the back bedroom for his afternoon nap, his ability to sit in peace, silence and stillness. Very appreciated today ♥️
What a beautiful way to remember your grandpa. I can feel the pace of his life in the way you shared about him. Thank you, Markie!