Thursday, May 7, 2009

I can't explain the peace I have

These past few days everything has been very crazy. My grandma, who we call Yia Yia (pronounced YI YUH, it means grandmother in Greek) passed away Tuesday, May 5th, 2009. We left California Monday night, flew all night, got here Tuesday morning and got to see her a few hours before she was gone. It's been a very hard few days for all of us, and you're prayers would be greatly appreciated. I've never lost a loved one like this before, so it is very hard and unlike anything I've ever experienced. Please pray for my dad, who lost his mom. I'm still here in New York and probably will be until Wednesday. The funeral is on Monday.

I'm really starting to understand what it means when someone says God can give you "peace that passes all understanding." Because, while it has been a very hard and emotional time, God has given me a peace that I really cannot explain. I'm so thankful that I know Him. I don't know what I would do without Him. I would love for you all to comment, it's always nice to know someone is out there reading this that cares. And I do miss everyone back home. When I get home, I will make a post in memory and honor of Yia Yia. God bless you all....

11 comments:

DeadMule said...

Jen,

You and your family will be in my prayers. Losing a family member is hard. I sent your mom a copy of my book that is probably waiting for her at your home. The first poem it is about the death of my mother-in-law. It's about the emotions one has when a loved one is sick (and finally dies). You can read it online at http://www.spillwayreview.com/dayofdeadkidnapping.html

It is easy at a time when you are tired to get down. After all, you miss the person who died. And if you are sad or "down" (just a bit depressed for a short time), it's a very normal reaction and doesn't mean your faith is weak; it just means people don;t like losing someone they love.

I'll pray for you.

AmY♥RoSe said...

Hey there little bay!!

I understand exactly what you mean! Its really hard to lose someone close to you! My Grandpa was the first person that I lost that was close to me and it was so hard. Luckily you have friends and family that are here to support you!! Love ya little bay!

♥ Big Bay

Naomi said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Naomi said...

So sorry, Will be praying for you and your family!!!

Anonymous said...

Jen:

I remember when my Nana (Italian for grandma) died. She was my dad's grandma, and I was 16 when she passed away. I did not know God then, and I took it pretty hard. When my dad died 15 years ago, that was very hard, but in the midst of it all, God was there to comfort and give me peace like a river. Where would we be without the Lord in our lives. He is the source of our strength and hope. You all are in our thoughts and prayers every day. We love you all so much. Aunt Kiki

Jennifer Connell said...

Helen- Thank you! When I get back home I will read that poem..this is all new to me and it's nice to know other people have been through the same things and know how you feel.

Amy- You helped me telling me about your grandpa the other day. Thanks for everything!

Sis Naomi- Thank you so much!

Kiki- I love you too! God has given me that same peace, and I am so thankful for it. I'm thankful to know Him!

♫♥Shauna♥♫ said...

Jen, I had a second cousin who committed suicide & that was pretty hard knowing where he was spending eternity. I'm glad you have peace, and I'm praying for your family. Love ya.

Jennifer Connell said...

Shauna-

Thanks for your comment...sorry to hear about your cousin, that must have been so hard. Yes, I'm glad I have peace too.

Kristin C said...

Jen,
I am so sad to hear that your Yia Yia is gone. She was a wonderful lady with a zest for life. You will carry that legacy on!

My own dear grandmother died when I was 14 and it was really hard. I know you will be able to sort out some of your feelings and memories by writing them down, as I did. You will treasure these memories for the rest of your life and want to share them with your children someday.

May Jesus wrap His arms of tender love around you and hold you in this time of sorrow.

All our Loving Prayers,
Auntie Kristin

Anonymous said...

From UT: Jen—I can empathize w/how you feel. Actually Yia Yia kind of seemed like a grandma to me, though I'd only seen her a handful of times. Weeping lasts for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Though the sadness of Yia Yia being gone will remain, God'll give you joy (and peace) at other times. Thoughts/prayers/love always!

Jennifer Connell said...

Auntie Kristin- Thank you so much for the comment and for the prayers and for calling. It's always a good thing to have close family that will be there. I miss you! What has really helped is sitting down with everyone here and remembering all the good times we had with Yia Yia and not thinking about the funeral and all of that. The good memories are always good to think on. Love you!

Uncle Tom- Yia Yia really did have a zest for life, didn't she? I loved her a lot. Thank you for praying and for thinking of us. Hope to see you soon! Love ya!