Missing my Aunt so much

I'm not new to this site, but new to the Grief and Bereavement section.  My aunt died yesterday after a very short battle.  I was worried how my mother was going to take it, but I was not prepared for how grief stricken I feel from the loss of her.  

What is it about losing an aunt that is making me feel so lost?  I keep thinking it might be a safety net I always had in my life is gone.  A part of my childhood is gone.  Someone who understood me even when my parents didn't is gone.  That comforting voice that called me "honey" is silent.  

This world seems harsher today. She was a gentle person amid life's bad things.  It was such a stark contrast to the accepted way of behavior I see in many people today.  During one of our last conversations she told me she was lucky and so grateful for things in her life.  Her life was far from ideal, but she was happy.  She was uncomplicated.  She was authentic.  I told her she was a blessing to me and such a good aunt.  I'm so glad I got to say those things while she was still healthy.  

My mom said she doesn't want to know this world without her sister.  I understand how she feels.  I'm trying to help my mom process her grief, but I am struggling with it myself.  I'll have to find a way and have to help my mom with all this too.  I am grieving today and know life will always be a bit rougher without her.       

Comments

  • JerzyGrrl
    JerzyGrrl Member Posts: 760 Member
    So sorry to hear

    So sorry to hear of your aunt's death. This month marks the one year anniversary of my aunt's passing. I still have days when I think I'd love to call her and share something special or silly with her. She was closer to me in age than she was to my mom, closer in so many ways. 

    You're right - it's tough to comfort someone when you're grieving yourself. Your experiences of grief may differ just as your relationships with her different, but you are still missing and grieving for the same special person. 

    I hold you in my thoughts and prayers. May you continue to be filled with the love and acceptance she had for you - and that you so graciously and wisely share with others. 

  • GingerMay
    GingerMay Member Posts: 134
    JerzyGrrl said:

    So sorry to hear

    So sorry to hear of your aunt's death. This month marks the one year anniversary of my aunt's passing. I still have days when I think I'd love to call her and share something special or silly with her. She was closer to me in age than she was to my mom, closer in so many ways. 

    You're right - it's tough to comfort someone when you're grieving yourself. Your experiences of grief may differ just as your relationships with her different, but you are still missing and grieving for the same special person. 

    I hold you in my thoughts and prayers. May you continue to be filled with the love and acceptance she had for you - and that you so graciously and wisely share with others. 

    Sharing with others

    Thanks for replying Jerzy.  Sorry for the loss of your aunt too.  I feel like the role an aunt or uncle can have in someone's life is a bit overlooked.  If we are lucky - maybe as you & I have been - I guess we get to have that special love in our life.      

    I like your statement about continuing to be filled with that love and acceptance. Also the part about sharing it with others.  Maybe I'll be able to do the same with my own nieces & nephews as they grow.  Bless you Jerzy.