Grandma
My grandma passed away on the morning of Saturday, February 19th. It hasn’
t been easy loosing someone that has been so much a part of my life and so influential to me and almost everyone on my mom’s side of the family. But as hard as it has been at moments, what I’ve come to realize over the last week is that death, like Bahá’u’lláh says, can truly be a messenger of joy.
“O SON OF THE SUPREME! I have made death a messenger of joy to thee. Wherefore dost thou grieve? I made the light to shed on thee its splendor. Why dost thou veil thyself therefrom?” ~Bahá’u’lláh
It’s been amazing to witness how my grandma’s death has brought my family closer. Also, family I never hear from have sent me messages of love and many friends have shown me kindness in one way or another. And although my grandma is no longer on this earth, I feel that she is close and in some ways closer than ever.
The day my grandma died was an amazing day and I will never forget it. I described it a bit in a letter I wrote to my grandma the day after she died to be read at her memorial.
Dear Grandma,
The day you passed away was unusually warm in Haifa, Israel. The sky was clear and the air crisp and fresh. For the first time in weeks, I opened the window of my bedroom and walked outside without a coat or scarf. The winters in Israel are very mild but, nevertheless, the day felt as refreshing and liberating as the first Spring-like days in Vermont. I spent much of the day praying for you in the Baha’i Shrines, and although I couldn’t know for sure, I had a strong feeling you were going to die on that day. As I prayed and walked around the beautiful gardens surrounding the Shrines, I thought about how death must feel a little bit like going on a walk on the first beautiful day after a long, hard winter. I will miss you terribly Grandma, but I am happy that you are now liberated from your frail body and from the limitations of this physical world.
I feel so lucky to have had a grandmother like you. You weren’t cuddly and sweet like many grandmothers I’ve met. But far greater than showering me with hugs or sending cute care packages in the mail, you gave me a college education and were a constant source of praise and encouragement. You also taught me the true meaning of being generous. Without hesitation and never asking for anything in return, you shared everything you had with us–your money, car, your cottage in Maine, your books, food, laundry machines, cookware, and of course, your knowledge. I think there are few people in the world as generous as you.
Grandma, you mean more to me than I could ever be capable of describing. I love you very much! Thank you so much for everything, and I hope you rest in peace and happiness.
Love always,
Debora
February 25, 2011 at 12:03 am
Debora,
What a wonderful tribute to your Grandma. Even though we haven’t met, and I never had the pleasure of meeting your Grandma. You have given me a sense of who you are and who she was. Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful thoughts.
Peace,
Jay Banta
February 25, 2011 at 3:18 am
Hi Debora,
This is a really nice tribute.
I was glad to finally meet your sister-in-law last night at the memorial service. She is very nice. The service went very well. There were 21 people there, some from an hour or two away.
Your grandma is a very loving woman. I really appreciated her willingness to take me in for that brief period in 2003.
It would be great to hear more on this blog if you are inclined to write about your experiences in Haifa.
Warmest love,
Paul