Summary

The author reflects on the loss of their sister due to old age and Alzheimer's disease, offering two comforting thoughts to cope with grief and the inevitability of death within a Christian perspective.

Abstract

The author, Richard, shares the sorrow of losing his sister Arla to old age and Alzheimer's, emphasizing the emotional toll and the challenge of adjusting to the loss. Despite the pain, he finds solace in his family's Christian faith, believing in an afterlife where Arla now resides. He suggests that grieving can be eased by not only hope but also by cherishing the deceased's memories. Richard, a minister, draws on his experience to advocate for reminiscing as a means to comfort those in mourning. He invites readers to join his "Rich List" for more personal content and encourages becoming a Medium member to support writers.

Opinions

The author acknowledges the difficulty of dealing with the deaths of loved ones as one ages, particularly within a family context.
There is a strong belief that death is not the end for his sister, who is now in a better place with God, providing comfort to the family.
The author emphasizes the importance of hope and memories in the grieving process, suggesting that these can help the living to adjust after a loss.
He shares a personal coping mechanism of recalling fond memories of the deceased, which he also uses in his ministry to comfort others.
The author sees the act of death as something that happens without the consent of the living, likening it to an unwelcome visitor who opens the door themselves.
He encourages a communal approach to grief, suggesting that sharing stories and memories can bring comfort to those who are mourning.
Richard views his role as a minister and writer as a source of comfort and encouragement for others, offering exclusive content through his "Rich List" and advocating for support of writers by becoming a Medium member.

Two Thoughts To Comfort My Grieving Heart, My Sister Died Last Night

Death has made another visit to my family. Even though I expected his arrival, I didn’t open the door, he did

Photo by August de Richelieu from Pexels

Funeral services take center stage as we get into our late sixties and seventies. Is that a problem for you? The death of our loved one presents a problem for us, the living. I have two thoughts on this to bring you comfort in grief.

My second oldest sister, Arla, was ninety-one. She spent her last three years at a nursing home. She didn’t know she was there, and Alzheimer’s disease had done its nasty work on her. Now, her husband and three adult children are mourning her departure, along with their spouses and many grandchildren.

The disappointments old age throws at you

In a story, I wrote of the word to guide me through this new year. The word was Adjust. Oh my, I didn’t think I would have to adjust so soon. But at seventy-nine, my family members and some life-long friends are leaving me. They’re taking a walk through death’s door. I don’t like it. But, adjust, I will.

It is becoming difficult for me, and yet, death is part of life. Death brings an abrupt halt to our everyday lives. Death was permanent to my sister, but it gave me an uneasiness. We are a Bible-believing Christ-centered family. We’re certain my sister, Arla Mae, is with her Lord in heaven. A much better place than the nursing home she lived in the last three years.

But, I’m left with the problem, what now?

Each time we bury a family member or friend, we face the same problem. What now? How will we adjust?

For me, the ‘what now’ problem keeps expanding. There were nine of us sitting around the dinner table, and mom and dad left the table first. As the years passed, one by one, my four brothers pushed back their chairs from the table, never to return. Last week, Arla Mae pushed her chair back and left the table.

When I look back on my childhood, my fondest memories are those surrounding the dinner table. Katie Lee, an American cookbook author.

Only my oldest sister and I remain at the family dinner table. None left the table willingly, but we didn’t open it when death arrived at the door; he did.

We’re left with the memories and hope

Two thoughts will carry us through our grief.

1. As a Christian family, we’re going to grieve, but not as those who have no hope.

2. We will keep the good memories alive while talking about my sister’s death.

I’m a minister with many experiences of sitting with a family during the last days of their loved ones. Leading the family in recalling the memories brought comfort in the time of grief.

So, you may not be a Christian as I am, but there is a way to bring comfort when you visit the grief-stricken. Reminisce, which is to indulge in the many enjoyable memories of the deceased. I’ve seen how walking down memory lane brought much-needed comfort.

Our family will walk down memory lane talking about my lovely sister. Adjust we will each time death knocks on our door. We will not open the door at his knock but will let him open the door without our help. I loved my sister.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (II Corinthians 1: 3–4. NIV)

My encouragement is for us all to bring comfort to those grieving today. We can do this. Take a walk down memory lane with the grieving soul. You’ll be the light in their darkest hour.

You’ve read my story to the end, this doesn’t always happen, but when it does, I’m overjoyed. Thank you, Richard.

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For You Old and Retired, Lets Master this Difficult One Change With Confidence

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