love & peace, forever

i’ve spent the last few months trying to figure out what i’m feeling, but i’m not sure i’ll ever find the right words. the grieving process itself is grueling. it’s ugly and exhausting, yet there’s splashes of light and beauty. the grieving process in a pandemic? inexplicable.

when i first started college, i knew one of the next massive, life-altering moments would be when my Nana & Papa passed. i had an idea in my head of how it would go — she would fly first, & he would follow shortly after. our entire family knew that. i would be with my family & we would see all of the people they left a mark on throughout the years. we would grieve together.

i never would have imagined it be like this. i can’t even put into words how hard the grieving process is when you can’t interact with those you love, because you’re trying to keep them safe. i can’t begin to imagine how it would be for those that don’t have the opportunity to say goodbye.

i am so grateful for the time i had with my Nana and Papa, & ironically, the bit of extra time i got with them during the pandemic (like rollercoaster wake ups with Papa).

as i continue to make my way through my 20s & now both of their passings, i find comfort in the qualities, hobbies & lessons i’ll hold with me forever, all thanks to them.

my Nana and Papa were the textbook definition of true love. together until the end. i love you both with my entire heart. i’ll miss you forever.

love & peace,

kayla rose