Oh, I am not, in any way, shape or form, trying to make light of the sadness and mourning that accompany the death of someone we know and love. Hardly. I just dislike using a term that DOES seem to "lighten" the finality of the event. I didn't lose my grandfather-- I walk him personally to his final resting place. It was my duty, honor, and privilege to do so, for a man I respected and loved dearly. It was not the first time I had been his legs, but it most certainly was the last. I even purchased his favorite candy (those giant gum drops) and placed the bag in his coat pocket before they sealed up the coffin. As everyone came to pay their respects, The Sons of the Pioneers was playing over the speakers-- the album he played so much, he literally wore the grooves off the vinyl. Why...? Because I brought the music he loved. I paid my tribute to the man. I missed him dearly. But I did not LOSE him, because he is with me, still. Whenever I reach for a gum drop. When I hear Roy Rogers playing. When I go get my mail (he was a mailman for over 40 years). When I smell freshly printed paper (he ran a print shop). When I think of my time in the service (he served in WWII, a decorated veteran). His humor, his passions. Still with me.
So, no... I did not "LOSE" him. He just died. Nothing more.
