Three years ago, while entering into the New Year's, my Mom woke me up.
"Papa passed away in his sleep," I looked at her, nodded, went into my room and locked the door as I stayed in there for the rest of the day, crying and feeling numb. I knew he was sick since Thanksgiving and on each holiday, he became worse. Knowing I had to go back to college within a few days was already hard enough as I had to start this mourning process.
Being at the college made it difficult. I was considered "popular" and well loved, but yet, not one person reached out, not my friends, not my acquaintances. I never once was told, "I'm sorry your grandfather died," or, "How are you doing?" when they knew that I had a passing in my life. I felt numb and disconnected, knowing that I was literally walking alone at the school and that my real support team was far away.
But...I made it.
I am thankful for a God and for friends back home who helped me through. And of course, family.
It hurt...and all I wanted was to be with my family, with my Papa.
I miss him a lot, but am so grateful to have had someone that was close to me and who finally understood who I was. I am so thankful for everyone that is in my life today and am thankful to "weed out" the people that weren't truly friends or who weren't a support.
I am thankful for who I am today.