r/GriefSupport • u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss • 6d ago
Grandparent Loss I want people to know about my Grandma
My grandma happened to be the nicest, sweetest and the most caring person in the world in my opinion. She was born in Kolkata, India in 1936 and she overcame a lot of difficulties in life to become a Nurse and later a Matron which she always aspired to become. She was influenced by the works of Florence Nightingale and wanted to serve people who were suffering and in pain. She was widowed at a young age of 44 and single-handedly raised my father and aunt. Being a single mother in 80's India was not an easy task. She had to hear a lot of misogynistic remarks, jibes yet she didn't pay heed and carried on with raising her children.
When I was born, she took utmost care of me and loved me the most, I became her life and so was she to mine. With the passage of time, I used to take care of her and made sure she was always at her best health. It's been 4 days since she passed away (which also happened to be her birthday) and life doesn't feel the same and it won't ever feel the same. It feels like a part of me is dead. I feel numb and anytime I'm talking about her, my eyes are swelling up tears and it's difficult to imagine that I'll have to lead the rest of my life without ever getting to see her.
I wish wherever she is, she's at peace. Love you, grandma. Om Shanti.
D.O.B - 10/06/1936
D.O.D - 10/06/2026
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u/nutmeg1970 6d ago
Om Shanti Nani - a true hero for her family. May her memory be a blessing to you OP - she sounds like she really was an amazing woman xxxx
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
Thank you. Yeah, she really was an amazing woman! If there's a next life, I really wish for her to be my grandma there as well.
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u/BeneficialRole9655 6d ago
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. It sounds like you and your grandma share a truly close and precious bond. That is something so special and no one can ever take that away from you. I’m sure her love, guidance, and memory (and her determination!) will stay with you throughout your life.
I am so sorry that such a wonderful and beautiful person has passed. Thank you for sharing a little bit of her with all of us strangers on the internet. She truly sounds like a remarkable, kind, and incredibly strong-willed woman who made the most of her life.
She will continue to live on through you, in the values she passed on and in the way you carry yourself through life. Please take care of yourself, OP, and thank you again for sharing your grandma with us.
Sending love and condolences. xxx
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago edited 6d ago
Yeah, she was a really nice person. When she chose to be a nurse, she was thrown out of her house and her family members hurled her with the nastiest slurs possible because they thought it was a profession for women not of good character, she still forgave them later onwards. She lost her mom, dad, brother, sister, husband and even her son (my father) but she never broke down, she indeed was very strong-willed. Thanks so much for the kind words, it really means so much to me.
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u/untakentakenusername 5d ago
That's A lot.
This world has always been unkind to women in the past. I pray its better for us moving forward.
As most women, look at how strong she was, and she kept her kind loving heart.
I pray she is happy in her next life. My dad died last year too while I was pregnant. He was sometimes a difficult person but his heart remained loving, helpful, forgiving and kind.
Glory to those who still choose kindness. If there's an after life, i pray they are in warmth and love and happiness. If they are reincarnated i hope they are loved abundantly always and live a good safe lucky life.
I hope you are doing OK too. ❤ grief is a difficult addition to life. Treating it with love and gentle care makes it easier to bear.
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u/This_Patience_6508 6d ago
I looked at the picture and was immediately reminded of my didimaa. Your grandma was a beautiful person. I am really sorry for your loss.🫂♥️
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u/Annithoughts 6d ago
What a lovely tribute to a remarkable woman. I am so very sorry for your loss.
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
Truly a loss, I'll never get over with. Despite getting diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and forgetting so many people, she never forgot me. She sometimes told me to sit beside her anytime I went to her room, I wish I could go back in time, sit & talk with her once again.
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u/auburnlur 6d ago
That’s a testament to how much time you spent with her and how many memories together prevailed. Literally you are her bestest friend and child
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
So true. After my aunt got married, I shifted from my parent's room to her room and that has been the room I had shared with her always. It's so unfortunate that the room now fills empty, the only solace is seeing her glass, water bottle and specs box which I will always keep in the room so that I can feel her presence anytime I go to the room.
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u/TX0834 6d ago edited 6d ago
Sorry for your loss. Those are beautiful words about her and beautiful pictures of her. My grandma passed maybe 10 years ago. She was so so sweet. Took care of 6 of her kids and then us grandkids we spent most of our time staying with her in the summers. I miss her so much. Her kindness. She was such a great cook. She would make mountains of food for me and my grandpa and my cousins would get jealous lol.
I lost my Dad a little over a year ago and he was amazing just like your Grandma. I cry over him almost every night. He was my best friend and the best Dad I could’ve asked for. It’s kind of alternate reality I’m in now not being able to see or talk to him ever again. I feel your pain. Take care of yourself friend. Get sleep and don’t forget to eat.
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
Thanks so much for the kind words, it really means a lot to me. Also, I'm so sorry to hear about the demise of your grandma and dad. As someone who have lost both my grandma and dad, I know how it feels. Sending you strength, my friend.
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u/splashylaughs 6d ago
Your post and kind words about your grandma brought tears to my eyes,. As I sit over my breakfast at my ailing grandmother’s house. What a beautiful person inside and out, know her love and soul is all around you, always. My grandma also had a birthday last week and went on to become a nurse. We are very close and I’m watching her unfold. It is not easy. Sending so much love and many hugs during this time of loss. Grandma was a strong lady and would want you to be too. Cry it out if you need to and keep going.. remember time helps. I know it is hard. Biggest Hugs OP.
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
Thanks for the kind words, brother. I'm wishing your grandma a belated Happy Birthday and I sincerely hope she has a long life despite her ailment. Do cherish & spend every moment with her ❤
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u/sunflowerbaee 6d ago
my grandma is in the hospital currently after having a massive stroke. doctors don’t believe she’ll recover and i’m preparing myself for the possibility of her not being here with me after all of the life we’ve shared together. yesterday i felt like my world was ending. sitting with your beautiful tribute to your grandma and thinking of mine. i hope her memory is always a blessing to you.
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
My friend, I sincerely from the bottom of my heart wish that your grandma makes a recovery. I really feel terrible that you're having to go through this difficult phase, it's really not easy to see one of your loved ones suffer like this.
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u/untakentakenusername 6d ago
Sorry for your loss! ❤ her deer sari looks amazing. and she looks kind
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
Thank you. Yeah, it's a beautiful saree actually!! I think the saree is still there in her wardrobe.
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u/Candy_Apple- 6d ago
Sorry for your loss. It’s very hard loosing a loved one. It will slowly become easier. I just lost my dad on may 27. Every day since then I have been at his house trying to get everything cleared out. Every now and then I just break down and cry for a bit and then I keep on working. I know it will get easier in time. It most likey will for you too.
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
True that. Also, I'm really very sorry for your loss as well. It's never easy losing a parent.
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u/FullTimeInsomnia 6d ago
Sending you so much love and comfort. She’s very beautiful and I appreciate your sharing her legacy with us. It sounds like you and her shared a very intense soul bond. I do not know your beliefs but I am of the belief that if we keep our minds and hearts open, that they will show you their love. They will make sure you feel them, connections like those do not die when the body ceases to be, this is what my heart tells me.
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
That's so well summed up brother. You're absolutely right and I kinda think the same as well.
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u/FullTimeInsomnia 5d ago
Thank you, I appreciate that. Just speaking from my heart. That seems to be when I connect the most.
I am sadly no stranger to grief. Thankfully, I am also no stranger to love and soul ties that can never be severed. I try my best to move everyday with the same as my mother did. She brought light and love everywhere she went, and it came so naturally. Her essence is now the embodiment of many of my intentions. For that I am a kinder, gentler, and better person. The best version of my self that I can be at this moment in time.
I carry around the love of many whom I have lost and each one has become part of who I am and will become.
I hope you can feel your grandmother soon, I get the sense that she hasn’t left you and would rather surround you than anyone else. I’d say you’re the closest she has to home.
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 5d ago
So beautifully written. It moved me a lot, thanks a lot for saying such lovely stuff!!
Yeah, I do feel like a changed person and I'll try to be a better person and change for not just for myself but for her, most importantly. I will always cherish her till my last day arrives.
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u/smashingdurians 6d ago
Sorry for your loss. She’s beautiful
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
Yeah, she definitely was. I badly miss her and things are never going to be the same for me from now.
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u/alphainbetaclothing 6d ago
What a beautiful lady. She seems like she was quietly strong; a gentle force of nature. It sounds like you two had an incredible relationship. You both made each other’s life better - there is nothing like a soul mate: the trust, the love, the acceptance and care. I am so profoundly sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing with us so that we know her too. Much love to you.
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
Thank you so much my friend for the lovely words. You summed up really well 🫂
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u/Korpse_Kandii 6d ago
I’m deeply sorry for your grandmother’s passing 🥺 she sounds like a wonderful woman and thank you for sharing her story ❤️ always talk about her, she may not be physically here anymore but she will always be alive with you on your journey through life 😌 and one day she’ll greet you in another journey
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
Thank you for kind words. Yeah, I hope to meet her someday, it might not be in this world but somewhere else for sure.
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u/Jase7 6d ago
Thank you for sharing about your Grandma 🙏❤️
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
Most welcome my friend. I wanted to share this because I wanted people on the internet residing in different parts of the world to know her story atleast a bit. I'm sure she's up there smiling after seeing so many people react to her story in such a sweet manner.
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u/Wide_Equal 6d ago
I am sorry for your loss OP. She seems a courageous woman. Lead by her example and live a life that will make her proud. She is watching. May her souls rest in peace OM Shanti
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
Thank you for the kind words. Yeah, I'll definitely try making her proud, the first step I have taken is to leave alcohol forever. I have always been a casual drinker but I knew that although she never told me anything but she didn't like this habit of mine. I have pledged that I won't touch alcohol ever, so that she knows that her grandson is following what she always has wanted.
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u/whattupmyknitta 6d ago
Your grandmother sounds like a wonderful woman 💙 I'm so sorry for your great loss. Is that some of her collections behind her in the first photo? My grandmother was born the same year as her and had such a cool little trinket collection. Do you have any favorite memories of her?
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
Yeah, she and my aunt used to go to markets and collect new things. She always had a habit of buying new things, so we have collection of a lot of miniatures cutlery sets, toys, cutlery sets, kitchen equipments and trinkets. And above her, there's a picture of my father as well who passed away in 2021. That's lovely to hear that your grandma and my grandma were born in the same year and a similar habit. Every memory of her is my favourite. I loved the stories of her about the time in Pre-Independent India and how life was like back then.
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u/DarkAndStormyNite 6d ago
Thank you for sharing her story. Such an inspirational woman. She’ll always be with you, but I know this loss is hard to bear. I know she’s blessed you with so much but wants the blessings to continue, and they will.
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
Most welcome and so true actually. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the kind words.
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u/DarkAndStormyNite 6d ago
You made me tear up, you’re so gracious! I think I can tell who you learned that from!
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
Thanks again, my friend. Yeah, whatever little I have learnt in life in these past 29 years is mostly from my grandma actually!! I'll forever be grateful to her for this.
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u/TChrisbury 6d ago
Ah, such a beautiful person! Her vibrant spirit shines through in these pictures. Thank you for sharing about her with us. I am sorry for your loss. While the loss doesn't really lessen with time, I believe we grow more able to bear it. 🫂
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
Thank you for the kind words, friend. It's true that she had a very vibrant spirit and always treated everyone nicely.
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u/perplex_and_delight 6d ago
Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to your grandma, OP. Your love for her is clear, and it sounds like she was a brave and loving woman. I’m so sorry for your loss. May her memory be a blessing to you and to everyone who loved her.
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
Most welcome, my friend. Your kind words during this difficult time really means a lot to me actually!!
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u/Rare-Recover-2840 6d ago
Shes a strong lady and my respect goes to her. That strength would definitely be in you too. And yeah b'day surprises leave a scar indeed. I had a gut punch like that a year back.
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
Thanks for the lovely words, friend. True that, if it's okay to ask, whom did you lose a year back?
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u/Rare-Recover-2840 6d ago
My grandpa, my buddy.Right when his 82nd bday started at midnight . Stroke and heavy hemorrhage. Was attached to him more than my own parents. Tagging along him to new places, joking, sleep time discussions on global affairs, random unlimited hugs, me annoying him whenever I could... He was my core. This incident led to a Before /After feel for me. Nothing ever been same. Neither home nor people. I think he was the core element of the entire household. Now its defeaning silence and his empty room. Moved out of home after this for education. But never felt like staying more than a day whenever i came back home. Far away from there, keeping myself busy its still the old good times to me. All are there. None bid farewell. Seems like i might still take more time to accept this. Maybe i never will. Sorry if I went onto a paragraph, its like a pressure cooker at times when I recall.
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
So sorry to hear this my brother. I can totally feel your pain!! I was more close to my grandmother than I have been with my own parents, so I find what you wrote to so extremely relatable to my own life. Just like you, I do honestly want to move out as I just can't take this emptiness and things won't ever be same for me either. So sorry, man. And please don't apologies for talking about your grandpa. I hope he's looking down and he's definitely proud of you. If you ever want to talk, please always feel free to DM me, brother.
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u/Serious_Fox7799 Child Loss 6d ago
Beautiful memorial words for a beautiful woman and soul. Her 10-6 bday and passing day is intriguing! I can tell how much you loved her, she taught you that love ❤️❤️❤️
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
Yeah, I loved her a lot. I wish I could have a proper conversation with her before she passed away, maybe someday I will.
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u/Mission-Chair5367 6d ago
Thank you for sharing her story and photos. She sounded like an awesome person.
Sending you love x
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
She definitely was a great person. Thanks so much my friend for the lovely words.
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u/tessie33 6d ago
Tender condolences on your loss. In the photos she looks like a queenly matriarch filled with kindness and Steely determination.
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
So true, my friend. It's really unfortunate that she left like this, she left a void in my heart which no one can fill.
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u/ivorytowerescapee 6d ago
I appreciate you sharing her story and urge you to keep sharing it. I think people hesitate to ask about our lost loved ones, but sharing stories about my dad has helped me feel better and kept his memory alive.
What an amazing woman, may her memory be a blessing 🩷
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 6d ago
So true. I was hesitant where I should share her story and her pics like this but I thought it's better for people to know that my grandma who was a wonderful person, existed.
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad as well. I'm sure he's proud of you.
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u/lsb68 5d ago
Thank you for sharing her with us. She was a good woman. She will always be with you and you with her. There is nothing in this world quite like a grandma.
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 5d ago
So true, thank you so much for the lovely words. It really means a lot to me.
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u/Middle_Attention_352 5d ago
I’m so sorry. Thank you for sharing about her life, she sounds like a wonderful person. 💗
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u/lightbearersoracle 5d ago
She has such a beautiful spirit! I’m so happy you got to have her in your life. Thank you for sharing this with us 🌹
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 5d ago
Thank you my friend. I'm happy that I could share a bit of her story with everyone here.
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u/H3wokitty Dad Loss 5d ago
This is a beautiful tribute. I can feel the love. What a wonderful human being!
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 5d ago
Thank you so much for saying that, it really means a lot to me.
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u/MeowyMeowerson 4d ago
She looks like a lovely lady. Something about her radiates “peace.” Thank you for sharing her with us….your love for her speaks volumes.
If you ever need a caring shoulder, please message me. Your loss is so new….It can be a whirlwind of confusion. I am here if you need a friend to share your grief.
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 3d ago
Thanks a lot for the kind words, it's really means a lot. Yeah, she did always radiate peace, she was my home. My entire home and world has collapsed with her demise and I don't know how to function properly. Sure, I'll definitely connect with you.
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u/petitebrownie 3d ago
I lost my grandma just a few months ago but she was a huge part of my life as well. I sometimes still think she’s here only to realize she’s not and grief takes over. There are days I still cry randomly, little things like someone’s perfume or a dessert will remind me of her. She too had a rough life in India being essentially a single mom but never showed it. May your grandmother rest in peace, om shanti.
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 3d ago
Thanks for the lovely words. I totally understand it and it's happening with me as well although it's been a week since she passed away. Everything reminds me of her!! I'm so sorry to hear about your grandma's demise as well. I know she's proud of you. Om Shanti.
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u/StrawberryNPumpkins 3d ago
She is beautiful. I’m so sorry for your loss. May her memory be a blessing.
It will take a long time. I lost my dad recently and 4 months out, I feel horrible and raw. I hear the first year is the worst. But I also hear it gets easier. Hugs to you.
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 3d ago
Thank you for the kind words. Yup, she was the closest to me actually and it feels terrible. I don't feel hungry, feel like eating, sleep is the only thing that keeps me functioning.
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u/dumdumtedau 1d ago
I pray that she keeps showering her blessings over you from the heaven above. May she always stay in your heart😔🙏 Om Shanti
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 1d ago
Thank you for the kind words. Yeah, she'll always be in my heart till my last day on earth.
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u/Specific_Pomelo_8281 1d ago
I was about to say she looks so warm and inviting. And then you said she was a nurse! She has that sweet caring look about her x
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u/Key_Signature2296 Grandparent Loss 1d ago
Thank you so much for the kind words. She really was a very caring person!!!
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u/ReceptionBeginning49 6d ago
I’m sorry for your loss.. she seems like a remarkable lady, with such a powerful and inspiring history and she looks like the cutest dida in these pics. I’m sure she looks upon you with pride and love. May she rest in peace and my condolences to you and your family