Family Means Everything To Me
Growing up, my family wasn’t just close; we were all connected by the land we lived on.
My grandparents, Mimi and PawPaw, and my uncle lived just steps away from my house, so every day, I’d visit my Mimi and PawPaw. Their home was my happy place, filled with PawPaw’s contagious laugh and Mimi’s warm hugs. I thought it would always be that way.
But life changes in ways you can never prepare for. When I was thirteen, my PawPaw passed away suddenly from a heart attack. It was the first loss I’d ever experienced, and it shattered my world.
He wasn’t just my grandfather; he was my hero, a constant presence who made me feel safe and loved. His chair sat empty, his laugh was gone, and for the first time, I understood how fragile life really was.
As painful as that was, it was only the beginning.
Not long after, my aunt passed away from an overdose. The drugs she took were laced, and it killed her instantly. Losing her was a shock that rippled through my family, but it affected my dad the most.
She was his sister, his best friend, and losing her nearly broke him. Watching my dad struggle with his grief was heartbreaking. I felt helpless, like I was losing him, too. I knew I had to step up to help him through the pain, even though I was still trying to process it myself.
And then we lost GG, my great-grandmother. GG was the heart of every family gathering. Her home was where we celebrated every holiday, and her warmth wrapped us in love. Without her, nothing felt the same. The holidays became quieter and emptier. Her absence was a loss we all carried, and it felt like the pieces of my family were falling away, one by one.
Through all of this, I learned how much family truly means.
Losing the people I loved most taught me to hold tighter to those still here. I started cherishing the small moments: laughing at my dad’s jokes, sitting at the table with my mom, and calling my brother just to check in. I learned how precious time is, and I promised myself I wouldn’t take a moment for granted.
These losses have shaped who I am today. They’ve made me stronger and more empathetic. They’ve taught me to value connection and to show up for the people I love.
My family is my everything, not just the ones who are still here, but the ones I’ve lost, too. I carry PawPaw’s laugh, my aunt’s spirit, and GG’s warmth with me every day. Their love lives on in me, guiding me to live a life where family comes first, always.
Even in grief, I’ve found purpose. I’ve learned that love and memories are what keep us whole, even when the world tries to take them away.
Kacie, this is a very heart-felt, touching piece. The tone is just right, gentle and approachable. You're writing about your losses, but you do it in a universal way that anyone could draw lessons from. Ultimately, you have learned "emotional intelligence" from these experiences, but instead of TELLING us that, you SHOW through your storytelling. Very nice.
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