Her story

Both of my parents are now orphans. They both have lost the two closest people they will ever know.In their grief, both were left struggling to piece together the words to curate the final words about their forever soulmates. When I was asked in recent years to “look over them and revise as you see fit”, I realized how much it requires to write an obituary.

From dates, to important memories, to clashing loved ones (who all want their name/cherished memory listed)…it’s a heavy weight to ask anyone grieving to bear. To add insult-to- injury, the person writing it is also under a time restraint; a funeral director usually needs the obituary within a fairly limited period of time.I have watched time and time again as loved ones are stressed and now struggling to process the loss of their loved one, as their attention must shift to piecing together their legacy instead. It’s exhausting.

Yet, the relief and tears of joy that washed over my mother’s face when she received a beautifully pieced-together work for my grandfather’s homegoing service was a memory imprinted in my mind that I will never forget. During his service, all that attended laughed,cried, and reminisced as we remembered all of the intricate parts that made us love and miss our “Grandpa”. And that memory was brought back to me as I sat in my chair Christmas Day 2024, reading His Story. In a moment of my own grief, as I thought over my own life’s story, I realized I could write other’s.

As a woman of God, I believe every person has a innate gift, one that is wholly and beautifully yours. In honor of your incredible loved one, I hope to share mine with you.

As you prepare to take this journey of piecing together your loved one’s legacy, whether they are no longer with us or still living but no longer a part of your life, please do not travel alone.

I am so sorry for your loss, and yet so grateful you are here.

With gratitude,

Cheney