A Reflective Essay on a Grandmother's Funeral and Life Lessons Learned

This reflective essay explores a student's personal experience at their great-grandmother's funeral, reflecting on the emotions and lessons learned. The essay begins with a vivid description of the day and the student's observations of the somber atmosphere and the grief of family members. The s...Read More

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Table of Contents

Drafting reflective essay
Present essay is based upon refection of my grandmother funeral along with the
experiences that I had experienced on that day. At that I duly understood the importance of
memories and giving kindness to other. In addition to this, at that day my father told me
importance of giving happiness to other when you are with them. I am standing outside the cab
waiting for my dad to come out of the clinic, these are troubling times. I calm myself down and
try to not ruminate over death. It’s a bright sunny day and as I notice my dad walking out slowly
a slow smile spreads across my face.
One of the most unforgettable events of my life will always be the day when I accompanied my
father to the funeral of my great grandmother. I had been about Eight years old, barely aware
about the concept of death but extremely aware of my surroundings. I noticed how people
gathered around our house like it was festival, but nobody was smiling. The environment was
sorrowful and mournful in which every individual was saddened. Along with this, I have noticed
that all the people at funeral seemed to be heavy hearted and overemotional. At that day, I have
exposed to many emotions like memory of my great grandmother and hurtful emotions.
Everybody seemed sad. I had not known “Grandma” that well, but I remember her giving me
money every time she saw me. I always cherished the time I spent with her. I used to sleep while
listening to the stories narrated by her. I was the closest to her. Her death left me in a stage of
shock. I got completely silent and did not talk much to anyone even days after she passed away
and left us forever. Even when I knew the truth, my parents behaved strong in front of me, as if
they were absolutely alright about the loss. I had liked her. Along with this, I remember her
golden hair and booming voice. But looking at my uncles and aunties breakdown that day had
been really disturbing. In addition to this, I have noticed that both of my uncle and aunties were
broken hearted. When I look back, I can see how perplexed I had been. To top it off, nobody was
paying any attention to me.
But later that evening, while driving back home my dad told me a few stories about her
and spoke of how all a person leaves behind is other people’s memory of them. His eyes had
been teary. He wasn’t an external emotional man, but now I know that he was extremely
sensitive.“Always remember kid, how you treat others- always stays with them. It doesn’t matter
what your intention is just make sure that while you are here you make them smile, you give
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them kindness and always make some good memories, okay?”, so I gave him a mini salute and
said enthusiastically “ OKAY!” it had made him chuckle.
Even after all these years I can surmise all I learnt in that one phrase- “be kind and make
some good memories” As I feel myself back to this moment and help my dad get into the car he
put his hand on my shoulder and looks at me and says– “ let’s go for lunch, I am in the mood to
make some memories today” with a wobble in my throat, I nod and smile. “Let’s do that papa, I
am in that mood too” he chuckles with glee and we drive away. I will always keep the memories
grandma etched in my heart. Even though it will pain for lifetime but I will get accustomed to it
with the passage of time. That day gave be bittersweet experience for me that gave me many
important lessons.
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CONCLUSION
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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