Aloha to Grandma

September 25, 2007 by Kailani  
Filed under my family

My Grandmother passed away Sunday evening. She was 95 years old.

I keep writing and re-writing this post but the bottom line is . . . I wish I had spent more time with her. I wish I would have made more of an effort to see her, to have my kids get to know her better, but daily life just got in the way. And now it’s too late.

Why is it that it takes something tragic to happen before we realize what we should have been doing all along?

Whatever you’re doing right now, stop and take a moment to appreciate your loved ones. Call someone you’ve been meaning to. Give your children and spouses a hug. Tell someone you love them. Make the most of every day.

A hui hou Grandma.

About the author:
Owner and founder of An Island Life. Sharing my life as a mother to 3 wonderful daughters, working as a flight attendant, and living a blessed life in Hawaii.

Comments

38 Responses to “Aloha to Grandma”
  1. I’m very sorry to hear about your grandmother, Kailani. And you’re right, my reflections post was oddly timed.

    I couldn’t agree more – hug your loved ones. Make time for your family because they won’t always be around.

    ((((hugs)))) Take care.

  2. I’m sorry for your loss. Thank you for the reminder to call my own grandma.

  3. Mary says:

    (((Kailani))) I’m so sorry. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, honey.

  4. Jill says:

    My condolences for your loss, Kailani. Big hugs all around!

  5. Summer says:

    I’m sorry about your grandmother. What a wonderfully long life she lived!

  6. Melissa says:

    Kailani… thank you for the reminder to reach out to our loved ones. Hugs to you and your family.

  7. Sheila says:

    I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  8. SusieJ says:

    I’m sorry. Grandma’s are too precious to lose.

  9. tracey says:

    So sorry, Kailani. Daily life IS important, though. The trivial things aren’t as trivial as we think. But reassessing and relishing what we have, while we have it is very important. I’m sure your grandma knew you loved her. I’m sure that the time you DID spend with her, meant a lot to her.

  10. ((hugs)) I am so sorry. ((hugs))

  11. I’ve never had a grandparent, though I dearly loved my husband’s Gram. There was huge empty space in our lives when she went to be with her Jesus.

    Thanks for the reminder to cherish our own folks while they’re here.

    BIG hugs to you!

  12. Jamie says:

    I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother…hugs.

  13. BeachMama says:

    Sorry to hear of your Grandmother’s passing. Mine passed at the same age six years ago now, and I still miss her all the time. Sending you many hugs Kailani, may you have many stories of her to share with your girls.

  14. I’m so sorry about your grandma. I never knew any of mine and wish I’d had the chance. Thank you for reminding us to cherish our loved ones and not put off seeing and spending time with them. Hugs…

  15. Waya says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss Kailani! Longevity, she must have had a great life.

  16. Tonya says:

    Kailani I am so sorry for your loss.

  17. Jennifer says:

    My deepest sympathy to you & your family. I lost my grandmother in 2004 and my dad (who was only 58) in 2006. You are so right . . . take the time NOW to spend with your loved ones. Nobody is promised tomorrow.

    My thoughts & prayers are with you.

    Jennifer H.
    Greenville, SC

  18. Angela says:

    I know it is so hard to lose a loved one…especially when you feel guilty for not seeing them more. I’m praying for healing and comfort for you. Thanks for the reminder.

  19. Dana says:

    Oh Kailani!! I am so sorry!!! It is never easy to lose a loved one. It hurts. I think we can always regret…things we didn’t do or things we should have said. Just remember the good times. However, it is good to learn from it and try to take more time in the future. This is a lesson to me.

  20. katkat says:

    I am very sorry for your loss. She was very blessed to live a long life and to have you in her’s. I’m sure she knew how much you loved her.

  21. Carrie says:

    Kailani, I’m so sorry for your loss. Sounds like she lived a long life though!
    It is sad that it takes losing something very important for people to appreciate what they have!
    Aloha!

  22. I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother’s death. It is a sad reality that most of us tend to “forget” about our loved ones until it’s too late or nearly so. I’ve not only lost my parents, but I’ve lost close friends as well. I nearly lost a sister this past week.

    I wish you well on your road to healing from this.

  23. aloha kailani and family
    mahalo grandma for kailani

    x0

  24. I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. {{hugs}}

  25. Renee says:

    I am so sorry for your loss and your words are so true. We need to remember our loved ones while they are still here.

    Peace & blessings to you and your family.

  26. Grace says:

    My condolences. 95, wow she lived a long life. I am sure it was a meaningful one. Both my grandmothers died before they were 80 and I do regret not spending time with them more.

  27. thoughts are with you and your family.

  28. Kailani, I’m so sorry about your grandmother. I lost mine last month at the age of 99. It’s never easy at any age. I hope you’ll be comforted in the days ahead.

  29. Christine says:

    Kailani, I am so sorry to hear about losing your grandmother. And how true to remember your loved ones. Lately I’ve been spending more time with my grandmother, her health is declining, and I want the kids to remember her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    *HUGS*

  30. Oh Kailani I’m so sorry! It’s never easy to lose a loved one no matter how far removed in age or geographics. I’m sure you added to her joy every day just by being you and the great mom you are. What a thing it must be to watch your posterity grow and prosper! Sending love and prayers.

    Hugs,
    Holly

  31. wendy says:

    Very sorry to hear about your grandmother. I lost my grandfather a year ago, I know how hard it is.

  32. tiggerprr says:

    I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Grandmother! :( I know she’s watching down over you, smiling. :)

  33. Tonya says:

    Sending my deepest sympathies on your loss.
    I no longer have any of my grandparents and the loss has been profound.

  34. Rach says:

    I’m truly sorry to hear about your grandma. Sending you my deepest condolences.

  35. TopChamp says:

    Sorry to hear this news.

  36. Sorry for your loss, but appreciate your sharing it with us. The people we love around us are so precious.

  37. Vader's Mom says:

    As you can tell, I’m way behind on my blog reading. I’m so sorry to hear about your loss, but I totally agree with your thought. You never know when you will lose a loved one, so you need to make sure they know each day that they are loved. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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