Widows & Widowers Support Group

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Preparing myself for breakdown of emotions

lizbeth9
lizbeth9
When my husband was first diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, my grandaughter was in 7th grade. At her promotion ceremony into high school, he kept telling her that he would be at her graduation. Well, she is graduating next month. He passed when she was in 10th grade. She is having a hard time because he will not be at her graduation, like he promised. The closer it gets to her day, she cries whenever she thinks about it. Well, yesterday she and my daughter showed us some graduation pictures that they took to put on party invitations. There was one that showed her in her cap and gown and holding a chalkboard sign that said "Papa, I did it!" Talk about tears flowing! I could not stop. I was thinking about how proud I was of her and how proud Papa would have been of her. She was accepted into 6 different colleges. I am afraid that I will not be able to control myself at her graduation. I will be there , but nervous that I will embarrass her. I don't know, is there anything I should do to prepare myself ?
matoacalady
matoacalady
I wish I had a magic answer for you.....it is going to be difficult, just let the tears quietly flow, you can't stop them, so short of missing that important event, just take extra tissues.

Hugs
Jen
JesusisOurSaviour
JesusisOurSaviour
Oh! Lizbeth,
I love this bitter sweet story. ...first of all, your granddaughter is a Star!
You must be so, proud of her.
When the Day comes...just let it happen. For Sure, the tears will flow, those tears will surely be beautiful tears, of sadness mixed with joy.
Don't hold back, just savour the day for the memories of your husband and your granddaughters,"grandpa"
Sandra
JesusisOurSaviour
JesusisOurSaviour
Oh! I forgot take some Kleenex.....hug...Sandra
mannie123
mannie123
You won't embarrass her. She will be thrilled that you are there. There will be so many people there few will notice that you are crying.
sandeestttn
sandeestttn
My husband missed our oldest grandsons graduation last May. And his Eagle Scout Ceremonies. He also is graduating from college this May. It was sad, but I went to them. Years ago, my husband brought home 5 Silver Dollars. I asked what for? He said to give each grandchild as they graduated. So, I gave him his Siver Dollar and told him how it was his grandfather was going to give him. He put it in his pocket and graduated with it there. So whenever he grauates or has a ceromony he puts it in his pocket.
sandeestttn
sandeestttn
I cried at all my kids grauations, and their weddings, and my husband was sitting right there. It is emotional any way you go.
handg
handg
Our son had his College graduation ceremony 5 months after his dad passing. Yes it was emotional but as others said , there were so many people there that no one noticed the crying.
slimbear
slimbear
I think crying at a graduation is completely OK. I cried at my son's high school graduation because my father didn't live to see it. I expect to cry for my kids's college graduations that my wife will miss. It's OK.
Rainbow27
Rainbow27
You have a beautiful, caring granddaughter. Let the tears flow, it is all okay to show your emotion. We are human - we hurt, we cry, we have deep feelings for our loved one who is no long here. Be proud. I love the sign she made for the party invitation.
SandyV1
SandyV1
My stepson's university graduation was six months after his father died. He was initially going to skip it but decided to go. I was so so proud (and sad)
Community LeaderShrn
Shrn
He knows. He is proud of her and you for the gallant way you have accomplished so much. I hope you find comfort in knowing that your love lives on forever. Sharon