It is my friend’s grandparents’ funeral today. They passed away within twenty-four hours of each other. Her grandma passed away due to illness and her grandpa passed away because of heartbreak. It is a truly tragic story but it in a sad way, it’s also good that her grandpa isn’t suffering anymore. One day of living without her was enough for him to want to move onto the next life. As upsetting as it is for those who have been left behind, I think everyone understands and deep down is glad that he doesn’t have to suffer without the love of his life.
In reality, my friend’s grandma should have gone to specialist disability accommodation (SDA) many years ago. She needed help but she didn’t want to go and her husband didn’t want her to. Not because there is anything wrong with SDA housing, in fact, she would have had a much more comfortable last few years if she was being looked after by trained professionals, rather than her elderly husband. But the love they had for each other was too strong for one of them to leave the other. I understand how they feel and really empathise with the situation.
The funeral just ended and it was beautiful. It was a celebration of them as individuals and of their love. We all celebrated the beautiful lives they built together, the family they’re leaving behind and all their achievements. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house but for the most part, they weren’t sad tears. They were happy tears. Everyone was happy with how my friend’s grandparents’ lives turned out.
There was a brief mention about how if they had made a different decision and chose to send my friend’s grandma to a professional who completes support coordination for elderly people in Adelaide, but that was quickly passed over when everyone agreed that the grandparents’ lives were perfect just the way they were. It was truly a beautiful ceremony.