With every loss, there is a gain

I just recently lost both of my grandparents (my last two) in a span of three days. It really blindsided me. My grandpa was expected to go and I'm glad he did (he was in so much pain), but my grandma passing was a hard pill to swallow. I can still feel the emotion waiting to burst like a balloon behind my eyelids. What kills me is that I didn't get to say goodbye to her and I talked to her just one day before her passing. I'm going to miss her egging me on ("beetle-bom!") while playing cards and our chats during the summer about the Braves and baseball. I'll definitely miss those long trips to Tennessee and seeing her waiting in the doorway as we pull in the driveway.

My mother has been down there for awhile and was there for both the passing's. She was holding my grandma's hand as she took her last breath and I really think that helped give her some closure. Those were her parents and she got to see them both go. Everyone down there has been pretty supportive for my mom and that always helps.

Although it's hard to see them gone, what is comforting is that I know they are together once again. They knew each other for practically their whole lives and they can continue that on in a better place. My grandpa was so sick for the past few years that I'm glad his ailments are over with. I wouldn't want to live like he did in the final years of his life.

I do feel fortunate that they were around for so long. My other grandma died when I was just one and my dad's father died when I was a teenager. To have them all the way through college and through my sister getting married is a blessing.

Now that my family is smaller, it makes me appreciate the family members that are left. Our family has always been tight knit, but I can see it being ever more so from now on.

Ten years ago, even five, this would have been something that would have torn me apart completely. I am dealing with it pretty well considering, I think, and know that both my grandma and grandpa are in a better place, with each other and that I'll see them again someday.

As my grandma was a big Atlanta Braves fan and baseball season is just over the horizon, it's going to be weird watching this season and thinking that she isn't watching the games. Check that. She will be watching, just not in her robe and slippers and from the recliner. Personally, I hope they do well this year in honor of her - I know I'll be rooting for them (as well as the Tigers, of course).

Thanks everyone for the support that you have provided during the past couple of weeks.