On Loss and a Life Well Lived

Earlier this week, Garrett’s lovely Nana Helen passed away peacefully in her sleep. It’s been a sad and trying week for his whole family, but it’s also been a great chance for us all to reflect on a life well lived. I’m very lucky to have such a lovely mother-in-law, which I know is in part because her own mother raised her to be a kind, good person.

Garrett’s mother sent us some pictures of her from over the years, that we plan to show our own children someday and tell them about her. I can’t help but see the resemblance between his mother and grandmother in these photos.

She grew up on the same lake that I did, only five minutes down the road.

When I look at some of these photos, I wonder if I’ve been on that same street and same shoreline at some time or another.

In the spring, when she is put to rest, in the same churchyard as her husband and parents, we hope to take a little drive around and have Garrett’s mom show us more of the area and share a few stories.

This picture made me laugh a little seeing Garrett’s grandmother, mom and uncle (in full retro getups) with two little dogs that bear a striking resemblance to two of my in-law’s dogs right now.

I feel so lucky to have had the chance to meet such a kind and warm-hearted lady as Nana Helen. The last line of her obituary really sums it up perfectly:

In memory of Helen, hug someone, buy a stranger a coffee, show kindness to others, and appreciate the seniors in your life.