Dear Dorothy,
I recently lost my beloved grandmother, and the grief has been overwhelming. She was not just a grandparent but a guiding light in my life—always full of wisdom, warmth, and love. Her stories, traditions, and values shaped who I am today, and I cannot imagine life without her.
As much as I miss her, I also feel a strong desire to honour her memory and continue her legacy. But I am unsure how to do that without feeling like I am replacing her or falling short of the incredible person she was. How do I keep her spirit alive while also dealing with this immense loss?
Yours sincerely,
Catherine
Dear Catherine,
I am truly sorry for your loss. Losing a grandparent, especially one who played such a profound role in your life, is never easy. Grief is a natural response to love, and it takes time to adjust to the void left behind. Allow yourself to feel the sadness, but also remember that your grandmother’s influence did not end with her passing—she lives on through you.
Honouring her legacy does not mean replacing her but rather embracing the values and lessons she imparted. You might consider keeping her traditions alive, whether through family customs, cooking her favourite meals, or sharing her stories with younger generations. If she had a particular passion—whether it was community service, crafting, or a love for books—you could carry that forward in your own way.
Most importantly, living a life that reflects her kindness, wisdom, and strength is the greatest tribute of all. Grief and remembrance go hand in hand, so take comfort in knowing that as long as you cherish her memory, she will always be with you.
Take it one day at a time, and be gentle with yourself. She would be proud of the love and thoughtfulness you are putting into keeping her spirit alive.
With warmth,
Dorothy