Navigating Grief and Gratitude: How Mediumship Helps Us Honor Our Loved Ones

Losing a grandparent shakes the foundation of our lives. The news often arrives suddenly, leaving us with a swirl of emotions that can feel overwhelming and confusing. As a psychic medium, I understand that life continues beyond the physical world. Yet, as a human being, I learned only last night of the loss of my last surviving grandparent, my beloved "Papaw Sharp." This experience has deepened my understanding of grief and gratitude, and how mediumship offers a bridge to honor those we love.

My "Papaw Sharp" reading to me when I was only a young toddler

The Complex Nature of Grief

Grief is not a single feeling but a complex mix of emotions. It can be confusing because it doesn’t always look like sadness. Sometimes, it shows up as nostalgia, gratitude, or even moments of peace. When I learned about Papaw Sharp’s passing, I didn’t feel the expected sadness. Instead, my mind kept returning to memories of him taking me to the barber, handing me scratch-off lottery tickets, and making sure my siblings and I had new clothes for school.

These memories are precious. They remind me that grief is also about celebrating the life and love shared. It’s okay to feel gratitude alongside loss. This balance helps us heal and keeps the spirit of our loved ones alive in our hearts.

How Mediumship Provides Comfort and Evidence

Mediumship offers a unique perspective on death. It provides evidence that life continues beyond the physical body. Through mediumship, messages from those who have passed can bring comfort and reassurance. This connection helps us understand that our loved ones are still present, just in a different way.

For example, mediums often describe specific details or feelings that only the family would know. These moments confirm that the spirit remains connected, offering peace to those left behind. Knowing this can ease the pain of separation and help us focus on the ongoing relationship rather than the finality of death.

Honoring Loved Ones Through Memories and Rituals

Honoring a grandparent like Papaw Sharp means cherishing the moments that shaped us. Here are some ways to keep their memory alive:

• Create a memory box with photos, letters, and small keepsakes.

• Share stories with family and friends to pass down their legacy.

• Light a candle or set up a small altar with items that remind you of them.

• Write a letter to your grandparent expressing your feelings and gratitude.

• Celebrate special days like birthdays or anniversaries with rituals that feel meaningful.

  
  

These actions help transform grief into gratitude, making the loss a part of your ongoing story.

The Human Side of Loss: Longing for Physical Presence

Even with the knowledge that spirits live on, the human heart longs for physical presence. I find myself wishing Papaw Sharp were still here, sitting with me over coffee, sharing his sometimes too honest thoughts about politics. This longing is natural. It shows how deeply we connect with those we love.

Accepting this feeling without judgment allows us to be gentle with ourselves. It’s a reminder that grief is a journey, not a destination. We can hold both the pain of absence and the joy of memory at the same time.

Finding Peace in Gratitude and Connection

Gratitude is a powerful tool in navigating grief. Reflecting on the ways Papaw Sharp and my grandmother supported me—through simple acts of kindness and love—fills me with appreciation. This gratitude opens the door to peace.

Mediumship reinforces this peace by confirming that love transcends death. It encourages us to nurture our spiritual connections and trust that our loved ones continue to watch over us.