An in-depth interview with my dearest friend, and leading social entrepreneur Julie Silard Kantor really opened my eyes to the power of humor playing a role in being a successful person and professional. (The Hot Mommas Project is currently developing a case on her which will be available over the next month.) It helped today. My grandmother just died. It was okay at first. I thought, “She’s 93. It was peaceful” etc. Then, it started becoming less okay. I thought, “An entire generation is gone” and other things around the concept of death being so…well…final. My husband and I are getting ready in the morning and decide, while the kids are in the room, that this is a good time to tell my son who is old enough to understand that Nana is gone. Okay….so…..there my husband is, soaking wet, having just gotten out of the shower. He starts talking to my son about Nana. I say, “Honey…Can you go get a towel or something? This might actually be a big memory for him.” We both start laughing. Then, we say, “Maxwell, do you know what happens when people grow older?” Without missing a beat, Maxwell says, “They get cranky.” That was it. We had to do the mouth-cover-and-look-away routine. But, I have to say, it felt good.
Happy Friday. Remember a loved one who has made an impact on your life and may no longer be here (pointing to place next to you) but is still here (pointing to head) and here (pointing to heart).
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I lost my Dad last year to cancer and humor certainly helped to lessen the pain. My brother and I just have to think of all those quirky, stupid things he used to do and we automatically have ourselves a hearty laugh (and there were lots)!
Although the imagery of your husband getting out of the shower is just TMI! 🙂 (especially since I was in one of your GW MBA classes a few years back and you brought him in to do one of the cases so I know what he looks like!!)
Vicky Choy
eventaccomplished.com
I agree..at times it is difficult to have to talk about the loss that has happend in a family. I once heard though from one of my amazing English Professors..that you know, you are ready to move on..when you can… “recognize it, talk about it, and laugh about it”.. that was the most nicest advice. :*)
BWAHAHAHAHAAAA! That’s hilarious!
Thank you everyone for your comments. I still think about my grandmother, and miss her a lot. Telling stories about her to my kids is great. She was funny, and classy, and won’t be forgotten.
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