losing my grandmother essay

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Here’s to the grandmothers who have shaped generations of women and mothers

AlessandroBiascioli/Shutterstock

In light of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, I am reminded of the passing of my own grandmother and the importance of grandmothers all across the globe.

By Mariah Maddox September 12, 2022

The loss of a grandmother is never an easy one to deal with. In light of the death of Queen Elizabeth II , I am reminded of the passing of my own grandmother and the importance of grandmothers all across the globe. 

In many ways, I still have not found rest in the fact that my grandmother is gone—and for people who have lost their grandmothers, I’m sure you can relate.

Related: How to deal with loss of grandmother

I saw how deeply many across the world began to mourn when Queen Elizabeth II passed away—and in a way, it resurfaced the ache of the loss of my own grandmother that I have been trying to avoid for so long.

The world seemingly stops for just a moment when the matriarch of our family passes. And when it starts to move again, it never orbits the same.

It’s as if I have tried and tried to regain my footing after her loss. Yet the grief fills and surrounds me —and I have never been the same. The world has never been the same.

Because grandmothers are the anchors of families. They are the ones who hold everything together, who remind us of the names that we carry and of where we come from.

Grandmothers are the ones who make us draw near to our lineage and find glory in the blood that runs through our veins. They keep family at the center of their lives—and their hearts—and stand true to the precious and cherished bonds of kin. 

Related: I love seeing my child develop personal relationships with family members

The love that grandmothers hold is deeper and fuller than anything we have ever known—and we are drawn into their orbit of love, laughter and light.

So when we lose a grandmother, it feels like we lose a monumental piece of ourselves. The world seemingly stops for just a moment when the matriarch of our family passes. And when it starts to move again, it never orbits the same.

But the reassuring and warming thing for me is that I get to honor my grandmother in living the wisdom she so often instilled in me. In her days on this Earth, she lived a full and meaningful life.

Related: Our kids have the best Nana and Grandma in the world—thank you

Every day I am reminded of her embrace, of her grace and her beauty and her poise.

I am reminded of how her aura warmed every person that she came in contact with and how her presence commanded every space that she walked into. 

She walked the path before us—my mother, my aunts, my sisters, me—and she reached back to guide us on our individual journeys. In many ways, her spirit still guides us.

Even though their passings bring an unbearable burden of grief, we now have the baton to carry.

And I know that one day, I want to be that woman. The matriarch of my family. The woman who my children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren come to seek wisdom from. The woman who reminds them of their lineage, of their purpose. 

One day, I will be that woman, and I am sure of it because my grandmother taught me so many valuable things. And though I have spent many days in mourning since her passing, I am reminded of the morning she carried all the days of her life. Those recollections ease my weeping heart in times like these and remind me that there is still work to be done. Now a deeper purpose is awaiting me—and that is to carry on the legacy that my grandmother sowed into all the women that she raised.

Related: Being a grandmother is the greatest joy of my life

So if you are reading this, take a moment to honor your grandmother—living or passed away. Honor the grandmothers who gave us our heritage. Honor the grandmothers who sacrificed so that we could be the women we are today. Honor the grandmothers who walked the path before us. Honor the grandmothers who are the glue that binds us all together.

A coworker of mine mentioned the loss of a grandmother as the sentiment of a loss of generations of elders, of a moving up of generations. And I find that sentiment to be achingly true, but also reassuring.

Because grandmothers have shaped generations of women and mothers—and even though their passings bring an unbearable burden of grief, we now have the baton to carry.

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• Breast Cancer

6 Lessons I Learned From Losing My Grandmother to Cancer

Losing someone you love is hard enough, but also having to watch them struggle through an illness like cancer compounds all those emotions. You feel helpless, wanting to ease their pain but you can do nothing but sit by and watch the light that normally exudes from their every being diminish until there's nothing left for them to give.

I was lucky. My grandmother held on to her light. She shone right up until her very last breath because she adored life. She loved to sing, to dance, to laugh, and to cry tears of joy. I'll never forget the look in her eyes when I told her I was moving two states away to find my independence. They were filled with both sadness and pride — I had become a strong woman but had done so far too fast.

My grandmother was a very important part of my life from the beginning. Both she and my beloved grandfather helped care for me while my mom, a single mother and a superhero in her own right, worked two and sometimes three jobs to ensure I was well taken care of. I spent a lot of time with her, and they remain some of the best moments of my life. She taught me a lot of important lessons throughout our lives together, but it was in her death that I truly understood what they meant.

Take Care of Yourself, but Indulge Often

If there was one thing that cancer taught my grandmother, me, and the rest of my family, it was to embrace life. Enjoy it. And as cheesy and cliché as it sounds, live like every day is your last. Like eating the dessert you really want instead of the strawberries you "should" have.

There will be plenty of opportunities to do the things you feel you "should" do. But how many times will you do the things that you truly want to do? On her deathbed, she told me my scales should be tipped to the latter, because following your heart is where the joy of life is found.

Push Your Boundaries

If my grandmother was one thing, it was stubborn. There is no question whatsoever that she is where I get this lovely trait from. But stubbornness is not always about digging in your heels to stay put, it can also be about pushing forward. Stubbornly looking ahead, constantly pushing, pushing, pushing. This is the kind of stubbornness she had. No matter how many times we told her to slow down and take it easy, she would persist and push on. She'd keep going, always wanting more. For me, this now means never giving up, always moving the boundaries of what I think is possible, and never settling. My "stubbornness" has become one of my greatest strengths, and I have her to thank for that.

Enjoy Every Moment in the Sunshine and Every Moment in the Rain

It's an understatement to say that life isn't always easy. We each go through our own personal struggles every single day. But it's those moments of bitter cold, dark, and rainy Winter that truly make you appreciate the sun. My grandmother struggled with her health for nearly 30 years, fighting off cancer in many forms, but she knew that after every mountain was a valley. After every desert was an oasis (preferably Las Vegas), and after every Winter comes the Spring. In those times of struggle, she had the most amazing ability to crack a joke, shrug her shoulders, and say, "It could be worse." And we all knew she was right. This is the light in my dark tunnels. This is my silver lining.

Laugh at Everything, Even When It's Inappropriate

My grandmother had a knack for humor. Usually the kind that people find inappropriate for general conversation. But she was unapologetic about who she was, and she would crack the best jokes at some of the most unsuitable times. It's one of the traits that drew people to her and made them love her so deeply. We didn't have a funeral for my grandma. Instead we had a "celebration." A party. An event where we all got together and told silly stories, told tasteless jokes, and reveled in the life that she lived. We laughed. And even if it seems inappropriate to laugh at a funeral, it was the only way she would have wanted it.

Take Nothing For Granted

There were many things I took for granted, and having my grandmother in my life was one of them. This devastating lesson I had to learn on my own after she passed. I had assumed because she survived so much — going in and out of the hospital for transfusions, surgeries, and sometimes just because she caught a cold — that she would live forever. I called often, I visited even more frequently, but to this day I feel like I could have done more.

Who cares if someone cuts you off on the freeway; you're still within your capacity to drive. So what if someone cuts in front of you in line at the store; you're still standing on your own two legs. Laugh off the annoyances of your partner not putting the dishes away, because nothing this trivial in life is worth getting that upset over. Never take a single breath for granted.

Say "I Love You"

Looking back, there are so many moments where I wished I had just said "I love you" one more time. Maybe saying it multiple times would bring her back. It's been seven years since her death and I still whisper "I love you, Granny" when she enters my thoughts. If you love someone, you should say it, and say it often, because you never know when you'll get a chance to tell them again. Possibly never.

I have a son now, and while I wish so badly that he could have known her, I see so much of her in him: his hands, his feet, his laugh, and the way he sticks out his tongue when he's concentrating. I don't know anything about the afterlife, but I can tell you that she now lives in all of us — from the traits that were passed down to the lessons that she taught us. The same lessons I'm teaching you. So please, take care of them.

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• Grandparents
• Personal Essay

Losing a grandmother can have long-lasting mental health effects for kids and adolescents, a new study finds

Associate Professor of Sociology, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Professor of Sociology, Demography and Social Data Analytics, Penn State

PhD Student in Population, Health and Place, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Associate Professor of Sociology, Western University

Disclosure statement

Emily Smith-Greenaway receives funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. She is a member of the Evermore Foundation's scientific advisory board.

Ashton Verdery receives funding from the National Institute on Aging, which is a part of the National Institutes of Health. He is affiliated with Evermore Foundation as a member of its scientific advisory board.

Rachel Margolis receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

Michelle Livings does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Penn State provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation US.

Western University provides funding as a member of The Conversation CA-FR.

USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and University of Southern California provide funding as members of The Conversation US.

Western University provides funding as a member of The Conversation CA.

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The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work.

The big idea

The death of a grandmother can have severe and lasting mental health consequences for both her adult children and grandchildren, according to our recently published study .

This finding may be surprising, because the death of a grandparent is a normal, even anticipated, part of life. Yet the effects are profound. Losing a grandparent can increase adolescents’ risk of having a depressed parent and of having higher depressive symptoms themselves.

Decades of research show that grandparents’ involvement and support is beneficial to their grandchildren. This is especially true for kids growing up with single mothers . Maternal grandparents often act as a safety net, providing benefits like housing stability, child care and financial and emotional support, all of which benefit their grandchildren’s health and development .

But what happens when a grandparent dies? In our study, we used a national dataset on a sample of mother and adolescent pairs whom researchers have interviewed multiple times since the child’s birth. We analyzed whether a maternal grandparent’s death during later childhood or early adolescence affected adolescents’, or their mothers’, depressive symptoms, net of depressive symptoms before the loss.

Following a grandmother’s death, adult daughters were more likely to become depressed relative to other women. Adult daughters experienced this increase in depression for up to seven years following the death. Adolescent boys who lost their grandmother in the prior seven years also had higher depressive symptoms than their peers. We found no statistically significant increase in depression following a grandfather’s death.

Why it matters

Adolescent mental health has worsened in recent decades. Experts stress the potential for the COVID-19 pandemic to accelerate this concerning trend, pointing to the financial hardships, school disruptions and social isolation as prime reasons young people’s mental health could decline further.

The mental health effects of losing a loved one to COVID-19 have been curiously overlooked. Although young people experience low COVID-19 mortality rates, COVID-19 mortality has intimately affected millions of young people. Tens if not hundreds of thousands of youths in the U.S. have lost parents to COVID-19 . And as of June 2022, our statistical models suggest that approximately 4 million people in the U.S. have lost a grandparent to COVID-19 in a mere two years – representing a significant increase in the burden of grandparental death experienced prior to the pandemic .

Our study suggests that this dramatic increase in the number of grieving adolescents will increase rates of depression in the U.S.

What still isn’t known

A troubling possibility is that having a grandparent die of COVID-19 is even harder for adolescents than the pre-pandemic losses that we studied. COVID-19 deaths epitomize “ bad deaths ” – painful, frequently sudden deaths that happen alone and often strip families of the chance to say goodbye.

In other recent research, we found that adults who lost a spouse to COVID-19 face higher rates of depression and loneliness than those whose spouse died right before the pandemic. Future research can assess whether losing a grandparent to COVID-19 has more severe or far-reaching consequences for adolescents than our analysis of pre-pandemic data shows.

We are also still examining the gendered nature of our study’s findings. Why does the loss of a grandmother seem to have deeper and longer-lasting effects than that of a grandfather? Why are boys uniquely vulnerable after losing a grandmother?

Gender socialization could explain boys’ higher depressive symptoms after a grandmother’s death. Adolescent boys may feel pressure to internalize their emotions. Additionally, a grandfather’s death could affect adolescents in other ways, such as their school performance and grades, maintenance of healthy relationships or risk behaviors.

Even as this study offers a small window into the distress of losing a grandparent, our findings underline the pressing need for adolescents and their parents to have access to support services as they navigate the cascading consequences that such a loss can set in motion – an all-too-common experience in the COVID-19 era.

• Mental health
• Adolescents
• Youth mental health
• Grandparents
• Children's mental health
• Quick reads
• New research
• Research Brief
• Children's mental well-being

Dean (Head of School), Indigenous Knowledges

Business Improvement Lead

Senior Research Fellow - Curtin Institute for Energy Transition (CIET)

Laboratory Head - RNA Biology

Head of School, School of Arts & Social Sciences, Monash University Malaysia

The Heartbreaking Truth About Losing Your Grandmother

• https://thoughtcatalog.com/?p=788766

It’s a scrutinizing thing you know, losing a loved one. You’ll catch yourself now and then picking up the phone to call her and quickly realize you can’t. When you’ve got a headache, heartache, or have just had a bad day and you need your grandmother.

The hardest part wasn’t losing her, it’s learning to live without her and constantly trying to fill this inevitable void.

You have this empty space in your soul and like the ocean, at times it can be calm, clear, and peaceful. Other times it’s this murky, raging swell that is bound to break and take you down with it. It doesn’t though, and the reason is because somehow, you’ve learned to keep swimming.

She said she wasn’t leaving, it wasn’t time and you’d spend time together again very soon. You don’t though, and you never saw it coming. You had no idea that last time would really be the last time. Remembering is so easy, you do it every day. Missing her, however, is one hell of a heartache. You thought you’d never make it through the first Christmas without her and even though it seemed much colder , you survived.

You know you’ll never get over it or move on, instead you’ll continue trying to learn how live with it. Just a little emptier than before. Just as you think you’ve reached the point where you aren’t upset every day, you’ll get a little reminder of her. Maybe in the butterflies or flowers, maybe a song you hear on the radio. Maybe the necklace she gave you before she passed away. Something will trigger a memory of her and send a tiny little sting straight to your heart .

You’re able to live because you’ve discovered how lucky you are to have even known someone like her. Someone that you loved so deeply it left you with an agonizing heartache when you were forced to say goodbye.

You never want to forget the way her voice sounds and just thinking of her fills your heart with pride. You’ll always see her in the flowers, humming birds, butterflies, or maybe the mystery Tupperware. You know, the butter or cool whip containers that are actually full of vegetable soup. It’ll send a smile to your face and a heavy pain to your heart. Grief is never easy, you just have to find a way to deal with it.

Lorin Hawks

fierce, feisty, fun.

Keep up with Lorin on Instagram , Twitter and thoughtcatalog.com

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Losing my grandmother.

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            Not everything in life has a fairytale ending. There are certain points in life where you realize that holding on to grudges and anger doesn't do you any good. You realize that family is the most important and outstanding gift that someone can have, especially after losing someone who you cherished and looked up to throughout the years.              January 23, 2012 was one of the most heartbreaking days of my life. I lost a great woman that inspired me to be a better person and follow my dreams; my grandmother, Maria Luisa Rodriguez. She was an inspiration to me and a great joy to have in my life for 17 years. My grandmother would always worry about others and would try to help them in any way that she could. She would help others learn from their mistakes and share great experiences with the ones she loved. .              It all started on a Monday morning while I was getting ready for school. We received a phone call saying my grandmother had just passed away. All I could think of at that moment was how I was no longer going to see her and have her for the good and the bad moments in my life. I can still see my father's reaction after hearing that his mother was no longer part of his life. I was very nervous when we were on our way to my grandma's house because I knew that I was going to see her for the last time even though she wouldn't be able to see me or talk to me. As I walked in to the house, I saw my family sitting on the couch and I could see how sad and heartbroken everyone was over the tragedy that occurred. I remember glancing over at the floor and seeing my grandmother laying there very pale and cold. My uncles were devastated when they walked in to the house to see their mother. I wish I could have found the right words to help them feel better and comfort them, but there are no right words to say to someone who has lost a loved one. .              A few hours later more and more family started to arrive to my grandmother's house.

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Essays Related to Losing My Grandmother

1. a high school memory.

" I felt really sorry and embarrassed by my friend's attitude toward my grandmother. My grandmother was a kind of parent like a police officer. ... My grandmother was very disappointed and she was very concerned about my behavior. ... I had to pretend that I was not going to follow them again; it was not easy because I was deeply involved in everything they were doing, by losing my friends would be as a knife stabbing my heart. ... I felt guilty that my grandmother was already told. ...

• Word Count: 1327
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

2. Grace in A Good Man is Hard to Find

"All my stories are about the action of grace on a character who is not very willing to support it." ... The grandmother is the most developed character in the story. ... "She knew that Bailey would not be willing to lose any time looking at an old house, but the more she talked about it, the more she wanted to see it." ... Immediately upon meeting, the grandmother shrieks, "You"re the Misfit!...... "You"re one of my own children!" ...

• Word Count: 819
• Approx Pages: 3

3. Not All Grandmothers Are The Same

Towards the beginning of "The Jilting of Granny Weatherall," Granny says, "God, for all my life I thank Thee, without Thee, my God, I could have never done it. ... However, near the end of the story, she loses faith in God and shortly after she dies. ... She said, "Why you"re one of my babies. You"re one of my own children!"... In the story she states, "I pay my own bills, and I don't want to throw away my money on nonsense!"...

• Word Count: 617

4. Nobody Listened to Grandmother

The grandmother could be very self-centered, controlling, talkative and burdensome. ... "She knew Bailey would not be willing to lose any time looking at an old house" (500), so she showed her craftieness by enticing the grandchildren into wanting to see it. ... The grandmother could be very talkative. ... she then replied"'Why you're one of my babies. ... Who knows, maybe the family could have been spared if it was not for the grandmother. ...

• Word Count: 430

5. Pyschology - 5 stages of death

I remember thinking about how I still have my grandmother and how close she was to my heart. ... At least I have a grandmother. ... He was a great man and I didn't want to lose him. ... I didn't want to lose my best buddy and I couldn't do anything but watch as he waited for God to take him away. ... It is very traumatizing to lose someone close to your heart like my grandfather. ...

• Word Count: 1143

6. Sonia Sotomayor - In Class Essay

With both my parents working I would go over to my grandmother and grandfather's house down the hall. ... In April 1998, at ten years old, I lost my beloved great grandmother to lung cancer. ... It has been almost 20 years since my grandmother passed away, but I still carry feelings of grief, anger, and sadness. ... However, I was never diagnosed with diabetes I was diagnosed with severe depression at the age of eleven after losing my great grandmother to cancer. I spent a decade in the care of her and to lose someone that you love so deeply was confusing to me as a young girl. ...

• Word Count: 809

7. Diabetes

Diabetes I never really thought of diabetes as being a health risk in my life until my grandmother died of diabetes. ... As my grandmothers got older her diabetes progressed. My grandfather told me that she slowly started to lose her eyesight, until eventually not being able to see at all. ... The diabetes pretty much broke down everything in my grandmother's body. ... That was something my grandmother did not have or would not follow. ...

• Word Count: 507

8. Story of My Family

On the other hand, he could, as befitting the "ginger" that he was, lose his temper very quickly, especially with my great-grandmother, or be prone not to filter his thoughts and be very blunt with people to the point of insult. ... Zelda was my grandmother. My great-grandmother, Devorah, or Dora, arrived at Ellis Island in August 1912. ... My grandmother did not speak a word of English until starting public school. ... My maternal grandmother, Rivkah, served as a combatant during the 1948 Israeli War for Independence in the elite Palmach force. ...

• Word Count: 1623
• Approx Pages: 6

9. Traditions

Three traditions of my culture are freedom, marriage, and Christmas. ... Christmas is probably the most celebrated holiday in my culture, it is the day Christ was born. ... According to my mother, my great grandmother started this because females in my family usually do not start growing hair until the age of three. Another tradition is that on New Years Day my family eat cabbage and sausage for prosperity. ... Throughout time some traditions lose their meaning through the lack of communication or not writing it down. ...

• Word Count: 332
• Approx Pages: 1

Successful and Unsuccessful Aging: My Grandmother’ Story Essay

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• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Introduction

The older adult who is described in this assignment is my grandmother. She had a significant impact on my life, both in childhood and as I grew up. Although she died from lung cancer some years ago, she is still an example for me in many life situations.

I believe that my grandmother can be considered a symbol of “successful aging” in many ways. First of all, her behavior did not change to worse, which is typical of many older adults. She was lucky not to develop any mental diseases and preserved a clear mind until it was damaged by metastases in the brain. She was a lady for as long as I remember her and maintained the lady’s habits till the end of her days. She was never rude or harsh with people and was an example of decent behavior.

Secondly, her attitudes to life are worth mentioning. My grandmother believed that happiness and success in life depended on attitudes and that being positive is the right choice. I adored the way she handled problems. In fact, she tried to present any problem as a small misunderstanding. For example, when she was diagnosed with cancer, she did not give up the way many people do. She did not look doomed and behaved as if her treatment was a challenge or a game.

Thirdly, her peer relationships can be an example to follow. My grandmother was a leader, and people could follow her. She was ahead of the community center after she retired because she could not stay at home doing anything. They had a big volunteer project at the community center and helped elderly and disabled community members or those experiencing difficult times. She had many friends and acquaintances and was constantly on the move.

However, the aspect I can assess best of all is her family relationships. Despite her active social life, she always had enough time for the family and was our keeper of traditions. She was not only a grandmother but a good friend for me because we were very close and could share many secrets. When the cancer was diagnosed, she was afraid of being helpless and becoming a burden on her family. Still, each of us was eager to visit her at the hospital or help at home not because of the feeling of duty, but due to a desire to be useful for a close person.

My grandmother’s health habits almost did not change during her lifetime. She preferred traditional evidence-based medicine, took care of herself, and had regular examinations. She was doing her daily morning exercises for as long as I can remember. At weekends, we sometimes took long walks to the park. She believed that activity and movement are a contribution to health.

Finally, as for the sources of meaning in her life, I would mention the following. The major source of meaning in life for my grandmother was her family. She was attentive and caring with all of us. She valued every moment spent with her family, both close and distant relatives. Also, I can say that another source of meaning for her was life itself. She loved life and considered it to be one of the most significant values.

Nevertheless, there was an aspect in my grandmother’s life, which does not symbolize “successful aging.” The only age-related problem she had was hypertension, which developed despite her attention to health and regular examinations. Immediately after it was diagnosed, hypertension interfered with her usual activities and had a negative impact on the quality of life as a whole because my grandmother could not do the usual things as quickly as she did before. Still, the effective treatment plan helped her return to habits and the disease did not influence her much in the following years,

The experiences with my grandmother have an impact on my work with older adult clients. First of all, my attitudes to older adult clients are positive due to my grandmother. I realize that aging is not an easy process for a person both physically and psychologically because my grandmother shared her feelings related to changes occurring with her. The major objective of my work is to provide the best possible help for everyone. This principle was also formed under the influence of my grandmother. She was always eager to help, and I grew up with the belief that helping and doing one’s best are normal behaviors. Finally, my expectations regarding working with older adults were formed under the influence of my grandmother and her friends. However, this impact is sometimes negative because I expect my patients to stay positive and active as my grandmother did, and many older adults are not positive about aging and age-related health changes. Still, these experiences provide me with many examples from my grandmother’s life, which I can share with my patients. I should say that this sharing frequently helps to shift people’s negative attitudes and stimulate the adequate perception of aging in older adults.

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IvyPanda. (2021, May 14). Successful and Unsuccessful Aging: My Grandmother' Story. https://ivypanda.com/essays/successful-and-unsuccessful-aging-my-grandmother-story/

"Successful and Unsuccessful Aging: My Grandmother' Story." IvyPanda , 14 May 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/successful-and-unsuccessful-aging-my-grandmother-story/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'Successful and Unsuccessful Aging: My Grandmother' Story'. 14 May.

IvyPanda . 2021. "Successful and Unsuccessful Aging: My Grandmother' Story." May 14, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/successful-and-unsuccessful-aging-my-grandmother-story/.

1. IvyPanda . "Successful and Unsuccessful Aging: My Grandmother' Story." May 14, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/successful-and-unsuccessful-aging-my-grandmother-story/.

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College Essay: Lessons from the loss of a loved one

Her death caused me to recognize that my purpose lies in pursuing medicine.

As the only members of our extended family outside of Taiwan, my nuclear family and I took the annual trip from Minnesota back to our homeland that renewed my fading early childhood memories of bustling Taipei.

Jetlag compelled me to wake up at the crack of dawn, which luckily coincided with my grandmother’s daily trek up the luscious mountains right down the block. She was invariably eager to bring my brother and I along. Although my grandma was agile for her age, our youthful bodies bounded steps ahead on hills.

As years passed, I never thought the next time I’d see my grandmother would be on her deathbed.

The summer before I began ninth grade, we learned that my grandmother had undergone a spinal surgery to offset the rapid deterioration of her legs. What had been a risky procedure to begin with did little to help her prognosis.

My brother and I followed my parents on their next flight to Taiwan while she went under the knife for a second time.

The trip up the hospital elevator ticked by in silence, everyone avoiding eye contact. A blast of cold air whipped my face as the doors opened to the intensive care unit. Snapping on latex gloves, face masks and hospital gowns, we anxiously waited in the hall to enter her room, only two allowed in at once.

The first time I walked in, the shrill beeping of heavy equipment filled my ears, and thick trails of IVs sprawled on the floor. The rugged stench of rubber from my gloves clung in the air and my stomach churned to the ceaseless beeps. My heart crashed at the sight of my grandmother, immobile in a gray bed. Her lively spirit lied paralyzed, indistinguishable with jaundice and blackened fingers. I idled in shock the five minutes I was with her, conscientiously meeting her eyes, incapable of digesting the severity this situation had reached.

I left my grandma in a daze as a doctor somberly welcomed us into a room. There I learned that the initial surgery left her with a grazed spine and a pierced stomach, leaving the rest of the organs in her torso to collapse and wither. Her blood had turned toxic.

The doctor spouted more medical vocabulary. Hesitating, he paused. “I’m afraid there is no chance of recovery,” he apologized. His statement hung in the air as he continued, and eventually his words dissolved into white noise.

During my following visits, I stumbled over the right words to express to her. Her pain-enduring eyes masked with perseverance recurred through my mind hours after leaving the hospital. I still yearned for a miracle to occur in the two weeks leading up to her passing.

Because Taiwan is a moderately accelerated nation, I struggled to comprehend that the one-out-of-a-million failed victim of this risky operation was someone important to me, my 71-yearold grandmother.

After the visit, under the dimming sky, I descended the mountain without my grandma. I realized how much one loss affected multiple people. The buzz of cicadas dwindled as I neared the house. The streetlight gradually flickered out. I could only picture her last breath in the lonely hospital room, fading out to the slowing beep of her heartbeat. At that moment, I yearned for the chance to recompense my grandma in any way.

My grandmother was a sole person, but she acquired dreams and goals throughout her lifetime. Until then I never understood how small changes created big differences—like how every life matters on this Earth. Her death caused me to recognize that my purpose lies in pursuing medicine.

Even today, our knowledge of human health is not enough to save everyone. My impact may not be big, but I want to contribute to the gradual advancement of critical medical care. My aspiration is to help as many people as possible experience life’s potential.

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The Loss of a Beloved Grandmother

Losing someone is like being homesick, for a home that no longer exists. Its surprising how easily we can take life for granted. One minute youre making plans, going out and visiting each other, then the next minute one of you is gone with the click of a switch. You never think about it until youre faced with this shocking revelation. One of the saddest and most memorable times in my life was the time when I watched my gran pass away.

When I was young, during the summer my family and I would always go to Norway. It was our favourite place to visit and also because my gran lived there. Norway was very different from Scotland because a lot of people spoke Norwegian but also it had a lot of amazing monuments. My grans house was gigantic and traditional. I loved it because it was different. I had never seen anything like it in Scotland. I enjoyed our time there most as I loved spending time with my gran.

We spent a lot of time together and developed a very close relationship. She was someone I could talk to about anything.

It was midsummer of 2012 in Scotland and it was warm outside. I had been playing outside until I was called inside by my mum. She looked a little worried and I immediately asked her what was wrong. She explained that my gran wasnt feeling well and that she was in hospital and that we had to go see her.

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“ She followed all my directions. It was really easy to contact her and respond very fast as well. ”

My mum had booked the tickets for the whole family to go to Norway. We always had a good time whenever we went to visit however I knew this time was going to be different. A few days later we left Scotland.

When we got to Norway it was cold even though it was summer, it was a good thing I brought my jacket! A while after we got to the airport I spotted my aunty and uncle waiting to collect us. I ran up to them and gave a hug but they didnt seem as happy as usual. I knew for certain then that something wasnt right and then I started to feel worried. I wondered if my gran was ok?

We got into the car and drove straight to the hospital. When we arrived the hospital was huge and we kept getting lost trying to find the room. When we finally found the room we quietly went in. I saw my gran lying there as if she hadnt eaten for days. I ambled over to her and stuttered How are you feeling? Her breathing came in ragged gasps as her hands trembled out to give me a hug. I remembered I had made her a get well soon card and was going to get it out my mums purse. As I was looking for it I heard my aunty gasp and I quickly turned round and everyone was in shocked disbelief. My mum had tears streaming down her cheeks. I realised my gran had died. I felt stiff, I couldnt move. Then a cold shiver went through me. I didnt want to believe it and I kept telling myself Its just a mistake. To my horror I was wrong.

This was a very hard time for me as I had never experienced the loss of a family member who was really close to me. I continually cried as I tried to get over the fact that she wasnt alive. It was very upsetting. I felt as if I was alone and there was nobody. Seeing how my mum dealt with the death of her mother made me understand fully that everything would be alright. Instead of thinking that she’s gone my mum would just remember all the good times they had while she was alive. She would go through old photos and be thankful for the time she had spent with her and then move on and think about the life ahead of her. But it was still a hard time for her as her dad had already passed away when she was only 15. Sadly my mum was left with no parents.

Like my mother, I tried to focus on my positive memories of my time with my gran. My gran and I were very close but we didn’t get to see her often because she didn’t live very close. When we did go to Norway in the summer to visit her she would always tell me stories of her childhood. I loved hearing about when she was small as it was very different from my childhood. She would take us to see cool places we had never seen before such as Troms and the Northern lights. She also taught me how to bake which I am so grateful for. My favourite thing to bake is brownies as they remind me of her. My gran was also very hardworking as she owned a small shop that she ran. She used to sell sweets, drinks and a variety of different foods. Whenever we went to Norway she would always let me help out at the till. This was an advantage as it’s a really good skill to know for the future in terms of dealing with customers.

One of most memorable memories with my gran was when we went on holiday to Morocco with her. We went in the summer of 2010. We were staying in a 5 star hotel and the best part was I got to share a room with my gran and my sister. On the second day we were there, my gran surprised us by taking us all camel riding. The sweat was dripping from my head that day. We all were given a camel to ride and I got to go on with my gran because I wasn’t old enough to go on myself. We had a great time and that was so far my favourite holiday.

When one of your grandparents dies it feels like a big part of your life is missing. When you are younger you organise your whole life with them. You share your aspirations, insecurities and most of all your love with them. They teach you life lessons and believe in your dreams and tell you they love you, therefore they are painfully missed, but not forgotten.

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PaperAp.com. (2019). The Loss of a Beloved Grandmother . [Online]. Available at: https://paperap.com/losing-my-gran-losing-someone-is-like-being-homesick-for-a-home-best-essay/ [Accessed: 15-Jun-2024]

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Home Essay Samples Life

Essay Samples on Grandmother

Crafting a college essay about grandmother is an invaluable opportunity to explore the profound impact she has had on your life. Grandmothers, the beloved matriarchs who have played pivotal roles in shaping our families and communities, hold a wealth of memories, experiences, and wisdom. Their unwavering love and nurturing presence create a bond that transcends generations.

How to Write an Essay About Grandmother

When approaching a grandmother essay for college, it is essential to infuse your personal narrative with heartfelt anecdotes and vivid descriptions. Begin by delving into the cherished moments you’ve shared, recounting the laughter, storytelling, and life lessons that have resonated deeply. Reflect on the values and virtues your grandmother embodies, such as resilience, compassion, or determination, and illustrate how these qualities have shaped your own character.

To make your grandmother essay truly stand out, incorporate specific details and sensory imagery that evoke a strong emotional response. Paint a vivid picture of your grandmother’s unique features — the way her eyes sparkle with wisdom, the gentle sound of her voice, or the comforting aroma that emanates from her kitchen. Share captivating anecdotes that bring her personality to life and showcase the profound impact she has had on shaping your perspective.

Furthermore, don’t forget to convey the invaluable life lessons you have gleaned from your grandmother. Whether she provided unwavering support during challenging times, offered guidance in navigating obstacles, or imparted invaluable advice, these elements will highlight the profound influence she has had on your personal growth and development.

My Grandmother's Narrative: A Tapestry of Wisdom and Affection

Within the pages of my life, one chapter stands out as a vivid tapestry woven with threads of wisdom, affection, and cherished memories. This chapter belongs to my grandmother—a remarkable woman whose presence has shaped my worldview and left an indelible mark on my heart....

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A Tribute to a Special Person in My Life: My Grandmother

Throughout our lives, we encounter individuals who leave an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. Among them, there's always that one special person who stands out, whose presence enriches our life in countless ways. For me, that special person in my life is my...

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Love Letter to My Grandma - to One of the Greatest Person

My dearest Grandma, Since the time I could walk, talk, remember, you were with me. I feel so overwhelmed by the pain. I can't explain the hole in my heart. Getting to be with you, for even the short time we spent together, felt like...

My Grandmother as My Role Model: Her Role in Shaping My Identity

The identities of Americans are diversified. One’s identity is made up of a person's culture, heritage, personality, and how they strive to succeed. The identity of a person is created, through the hardships faced and their history, whether it is that one is born in...

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Precious Value Of A Gift From My Grandmother

As a child, my grandmother was someone I looked up to. I mean this less in the literal sense. Her arrivals at the front door were a cause for celebration. I would leap into her open arms as a large smile appeared across her face,...

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Observing My Great Grandmother Change

Ninety five years old. She has been though World War Two, seen the moon landing and the rise of technology. Can you imagine the life she must have had? Now she is in a wheelchair with my great-aunt caring for her. She puts a flowery...

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Life Lessons My 90-Year-Old Grandmother Taught Me

My 90-year-old grandmother (on my mom’s side) is one of the people who inspire me most with her strong personality and all. I value her opinions dearly and I also value her advice. Over the years, she has taught me innumerable lessons through her words...

The Pain of Leaving My Grandmother Behind for a Better Life

My parents left Mexico to go to the United States when I was three years old, they left me in the care of my grandmother. At the age of five, I remember waking up every morning to help my grandma make tortillas although at that...

The Life of My Grandmother and the Lessons She Taught Our Family

My grandmother, Kamrun Nessa, frequently stayed in the living room because it was where everyone in the household would spend the most time. Although my grandmother was a very quiet and peaceful individual, she enjoyed listening to all the babbling in the background while she...

Best topics on Grandmother

1. My Grandmother’s Narrative: A Tapestry of Wisdom and Affection

2. A Tribute to a Special Person in My Life: My Grandmother

3. Love Letter to My Grandma – to One of the Greatest Person

4. My Grandmother as My Role Model: Her Role in Shaping My Identity

5. Precious Value Of A Gift From My Grandmother

6. Observing My Great Grandmother Change

7. Life Lessons My 90-Year-Old Grandmother Taught Me

8. The Pain of Leaving My Grandmother Behind for a Better Life

9. The Life of My Grandmother and the Lessons She Taught Our Family

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Grandmother — Why I Love My Grandmother

Why I Love My Grandmother

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Published: Mar 14, 2024

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Piece of me

R.O. Kwon’s Jade Rings

The rings, passed down by her mother, remind the author of the connection she has to her ancestors.

Credit... Photographs by Cayce Clifford

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By Amelia Diamond

Amelia Diamond reported for Piece of Me, a column about personal talismans and heirloom accessories.

• June 15, 2024

R.O. Kwon asks her ancestors for help. Two jade rings in particular, passed down by her mother, serve as a direct line and source of comfort.

Ms. Kwon, an award-winning author, wanted to be a Christian pastor or a religious recluse when she was growing up. She had, as she put it, “ what felt like a conversation with the Lord going.” But she lost her faith as a teenager. Now, in her writing, Ms. Kwon explores the challenge of questioning long-held beliefs.

Her first novel, “ The Incendiaries ,” tackled religion, while her second, “ Exhibit ,” out last month, is about hidden desire. She wanted to write a book “centering desire, including queer desire and kinky desire,” she said, because in the past, she has felt “desperately alone in wanting as I do.”

Ms. Kwon spoke, in an edited and condensed interview, about how she turns to her ancestral jade rings for strength and the comfort of having them on while she types.

Talk about the rings you’re wearing.

They’re double jade rings and they’re from my mother, who received them at her wedding from her mother-in-law. She had them throughout my childhood, but she only ever wore them for very special occasions, like my wedding.

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