I've heard a lot of people say they don't want to live until they are 100. They're too afraid of what physical situation they would be in at that age. I think my grandma wanted to go for it, and she is exactly in the situation everyone's afraid of. She's frail. Her mind's gone. She's unaware of her surroundings, and she sleeps most of the time. It's a sad sight for those knew her as the little spit fire who spoke her mind ten years ago; however, I find in this moment of pity another side that was quite a beautiful experience. The moment I stepped into the room, I felt it. There was a piece of heaven in that room, and for those of us who believe in angels, it was quite like they were present. She didn't respond to anyone at first, but when I spoke to her and when my sister spoke to her, she was able to mouth (and eventually speak out loud) that she loved us. Such a sweet, tender experience. I will always remember it. Of all the things Grandma would have wanted us to do for her birthday, it was to get together, and we did. Such a beautiful memory to share. Her life is coming to a close slowly, but she still lives on.
Interestingly enough, as we were celebrating a great milestone in our family, another family was celebrating life as they watched their father, grandfather, and so on, die. President Thomas S. Monson, the prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away that same day. He was an important figure in the community as well as the church.
These two occasions together have brought me back to the reflection of life and how amazing the influence that one (or two) people have on our lives. It's been a beautiful experience. There is truly something sweet in the bitterness.
Back to my quiet reflections...
