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Who is someone who is no longer in my life but whose memory continues to deeply impact me? - Grateful.org
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Reflections

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  1. C
    Cyril
    2 years ago

    I believe it is more than memory. Twenty years ago I had the good fortune of being introduced to a psychiatrist who provided inner sensitivity training, this I availed of. This helpes me to tune into life and people at a different and deeper level. There are people who were close to me that have died. I sense their unique love and support around me and this impacts deeply on me.

  2. Lydia 50952
    Lydia
    2 years ago

    My Mum who died in 2016. Nearly every day I have some small new insight into how she felt, her joys and sorrows, expressed in imperfect English and often not taken seriously. I tell her now: ‘Mum, I wish I had understood you better and helped you more.’ I like to think she feels my love beaming up to her every day!

  3. Erich61722247
    Erich617
    2 years ago

    I have been fortunate not to lose a great many people, either to death or circumstances. I don’t actually think about my grandmother Norma often, but I do believe that she was one of the most exceptional people I have known.

    Compassion was not even second nature to her. It was her nature.

    I knew her for 18 years, and I never heard her say a bad thing about another person. She raised six children, and all agree that she only yelled once.

    She was dedicated to her family and her church. She loved reading and children, and I still remember the hours I spent with her as a child, just talking about whatever was on my mind.

    Since she passed away just as I entered adulthood, I don’t think that I ever understood while she was alive just how unique her temperament was. The idea of a kindly grandmother is common in my culture, and I did not know the trials of adult life and parenthood (my grandmother grew up during the Great Depression and had her first child while her husband was fighting in World War II no less).

    I do wish that I could find the same reserve of kindness that she had.

    1. Lydia 50952
      Lydia
      2 years ago

      Erich what a gift to have had such a grandmother, thanks for sharing. Our grandmother also lived with us for long periods of time; she was a Seventh-Day Adventist though born Orthodox. Gentle, always putting others first, patient, hardworking, devoted to us as children. She and her sisters were the pillars of our extended family life, those were the golden years.

  4. Lisa M Alvarado39153
    Lisa Alvarado
    2 years ago

    My mother, Rita. So much of who I am was formed by her love and encouragement. She believed in me and did everything she could to make me a curious, hard-working, literate person.

  5. O. Christina36171
    O.Christina
    2 years ago

    So many; for example like a dear friend who inspired many and so me too, whose talent creates the most beautiful mandalas originating of her ability to imagination and wise insight or her loving care for her overflowing flowering garden; my first friend when we both were teenagers, who came to visit unexpectedly and who took all the effort to come from far only to see his first love but whom I never saw again because of difficult and very embarrassing circumstances we both had been confronted with then; my school teacher in arts who, due to his excellent and manifold teachings in creating beauty will always have an impact on whatever kind of creativity will be expressed; the kind woman my mother recommended where to work during my semester breaks to earn some additional money, who taught me how to cook well in addition to the already quite good cooking abilities my mother had conveyed already ; my boyfriend of long days ago who passed already, with whom I had the great pleasure to spend our holidays in a bird berth for about 6 weeks as a volunteer in pure nature and protected area on a small island, experiencing nature in all its beauty in his loving company; all great gifts of dear ones living on in me in my heart.

  6. Don Jones69078
    Don Jones
    2 years ago

    Perhaps my younger self. Every now and again there is a reflection on the person I was but am no longer. Very different now but in some ways the same, but not here anymore.

  7. L
    Linda
    2 years ago

    My father. Because of his example, I strive to be a kind and generous person. He never failed to help anyone who needed it. Every kind word , assistance, or a thank you I make to another person reminds me that I follow in his footsteps.

  8. pkr29022
    pkr
    2 years ago

    My dear brother Kerry & my mom. My brother has been gone for 18 months & my mom passed 8 months ago. They were a huge part of my life, my support system, social life, my everything in certain ways. Some days I feel a deep emptiness that shakes me to my core. I get overwhelmed when I realize I have not spoken to my brother in over 18 months, have not shared laughs together or talked about all the BS going on. There is so much I wish I could talk to him about & laugh over together. I miss them both everyday.
    Life goes on & I am learning how to live with this deep loss. I guess I am learning how to absorb grief into my life & how to be with it. Some days are easier than others.

  9. HelenH72309
    Mica
    2 years ago

    My Dad! I have a little photo on my wall of him holding me, with a bottle, when I was a baby. I look so contented. 🙂

  10. Barb56116
    Barb C
    2 years ago

    Absolutely my mother. My father as well, in a quiet way, but my mom is the one whose teachings formed the foundation of who I am. She has been dead since 2014 but she lives on in the way I start with kindness, care about people who haven’t had my opportunities, do things with the position and abilities I have thanks to those opportunities to try to make the world a better place, and in the way I hear her laugh coming out of my mouth and see her hands sticking out of my sleeves.

  11. con71475@yahoo.com
    Carol
    2 years ago

    I thought about the quote from a couple of days ago when I read today’s question:

    “Our fates are tied. We have this strange notion on this planet that our fates are not tied. If it were not so we would not be here together. It’s that simple.” Luisah Teish

    That said, many folks come to mind and not all of them deeply impacted me in a positive way. This question is a reminder to remember that my words and actions have power. We are all teachers. That is such a humbling reality.

  12. Eeevvv35405
    Eeevvv
    2 years ago

    My mother’s bestfriend. He died eleven years ago but everytime I have a problem I try to think what he would do in that situation.

  13. Mike S55572
    Mike S
    2 years ago

    There are many people that have placed deposits of love and connection in my life. My mother even though she was fairly reserved it was a deep connection there between us. Two priests at a private school I want to, the Reverend John Walker, who later became bishop of the episcopal national cathedral in Washington DC, and Mr. Courtney Carpenter who is kindness just exhausted from every pore. It was also a schoolmate who is in my junior and senior years at Saint Paul school became a close friend. His name is Doug Coffrin. to each I owe a debt of gratitude for the person I am today.

  14. A
    AP
    2 years ago

    My both sets of grandfathers — one who was a teacher and instilled the love of learning and curiosity in me, and the other, who was a meditator, who helped kindle the meditation practice in me.

  15. c
    carol
    2 years ago

    For good or not, for happiness or other than happy, everyone I can recall.
    Both have their place in my evolution: appreciation for the joy, happiness, comfort, adventure, etc and for the learning to accept and forgive and transcend and see the moving beyond.
    .

    1. Y
      Yram
      2 years ago

      Said very well. Thanks!

  16. dragonfly91601
    dragonfly
    2 years ago

    I had a wonderful teacher once who was so kind and understood me so well. We got back in touch when I much older. I had always remembered her and will never forget her.

  17. DENISE H WIESE32310
    DENISE H
    2 years ago

    My older brother, he passed away 8 years ago at the age of 44. I think of him often and wish randomly a phone call would be possible to catch up on life. 🙂

  18. Michele17440
    Michele
    2 years ago

    my ex, Sherri.

  19. Rabbit81616
    Rabbit
    2 years ago

    There is a quote from the musical “Wicked” that honors those who have blessed our lives: “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”

    1. Barb56116
      Barb C
      2 years ago

      This sparked the memory of going to New York City with my older daughter when she was 13. We saw “Wicked” on Broadway with almost the entire original cast and it was so, so fabulous. (Joel Grey was out that night but whoever played the wizard did not disappoint.) Idina Mendel! Kristin Chenoweth!

      1. Rabbit81616
        Rabbit
        2 years ago

        So wonderful you got to see it with your daughter Barb. It is surely a lovely memory for both of you. Good memories can sustain us with times are no so good. I always liked that quote. The people on this site are changing me for good. 💙🧙‍♂️

  20. Cathie
    Cathie
    2 years ago

    My grandmother deeply impacted my life. She had 7 children, 3 of which had Fredrickstaxia (sp?) a crippling disease that presents at adolescence.
    And yet, she did not show worry or anxiety or anger. She was very peaceful, religious/spiritual.
    All 3 children with the disease went on to become incredible adults.
    Two were engineers and my uncle helped in developing Doppler. My aunt was a school teacher. My grandmother pushed them to rise above their limitations. And her life taught me that no matter the challenges life throws at you, if you continue to stay grounded in God – all things are possible.

    1. Rabbit81616
      Rabbit
      2 years ago

      Such an inspiring story. Thank you. You are strong roots.

    2. HelenH72309
      Mica
      2 years ago

      Thank you, Cathie, for that inspriring post! 🙂

  21. Rabbit81616
    Rabbit
    2 years ago

    My relationship with my mother was very difficult at times but there were so many other older women who came along to help me in different ways – rides to work, a job, friendship, encouragement, faith, wisdom, and someone to dry my tears. Everyone, including my mom, has blessed me and I am grateful.

  22. Avril58607
    Avril
    2 years ago

    I’ve had an interesting ride with little death in my immediate circle. At 47 my parents are alive. My grandmother passed at 97 just two years ago. I do reflect and laugh at her enduring legacy. But, my friend Kirk died a few years ago after a long illness. He knew he would die for several years before he made the transition. He lived so robustly. He loved so fully. He is a teacher on embracing life with all you have.

    1. Barb56116
      Barb C
      2 years ago

      What a wonderful description of your friend!

      1. Avril58607
        Avril
        2 years ago

        Thank you, Barb

  23. Laura75158
    Laura
    2 years ago

    My mom. I am grateful for her many examples of quiet courage and miss her every day.

  24. Joseph McCann75595
    Joseph McCann
    2 years ago

    There are many. I am 65 so many I have known, cared for and loved have left this earth to the great beyond. One, Paul Miller, died young at 30. I was 28. A great friend and young sheep farmer. I learned a lot about sheep and forage farming from him and also an early lesson about impermanence.

  25. Butterfly66846
    Butterfly
    2 years ago

    My Mum and Dad who passed on many years ago but their love still sustains me. And Byl, the dearest friend I’ve ever had, whose wisdom I treasure. She was much older than me and was a wonderful guiding light at a time when I was really struggling.

  26. kevinthequaker123
    Kevin
    2 years ago

    Jim Toothaker, mentor, friend, Quaker minister, and elder, who helped me to understand that ministry is a “blessing and a curse.” Jim may be gone, but he remains in my life every day.

    1. Joseph McCann75595
      Joseph McCann
      2 years ago

      I have never read or heard the name Toothaker before Kevin. Did he pronounce it tooth-ache-er or tooth-icker?

  27. sunnypatti48317
    sunnypatti48317
    2 years ago

    My Great Grandma J, Papaw D, and Grandma N – all angels watching over me and others. Then there are a few who are still alive that I’m grateful aren’t in my life anymore. A toxic ex best friend who controlled me for years and a toxic ex husband. I grew so much once I found the strength in myself to get away from those people, and the love I found for myself has allowed my life to blossom in so many ways since then. It was not easy, but it was well worth it.

    1. HelenH72309
      Mica
      2 years ago

      Yup, sunnypatti – hard times in the past can make the present so much more enjoyable! 🙂

    2. Rabbit81616
      Rabbit
      2 years ago

      Three cheers for you sunnypatti. I know how difficult that can be. In doing it, you have surely made some others people’s lives better too.

  28. Antoinette88615
    Antoinette
    2 years ago

    My ex is no longer “in my life “, but he and I impact each other in many ways. Even if you get a divorce you are not ever fully rid of that person.
    The relationship I made with my ex for 20 years with three wonderful boys is still continuing. I’m grateful that we now have a great relationship. We work well together and I we both want each other’s happiness and good will. This impacts everyone around us. I’m happy that our relationship is the way it is now. It goes to show that things ending doesn’t mean that new happiness is not possible.
    Natures flow is gratefulness.

    1. Barb56116
      Barb C
      2 years ago

      That’s a wonderful success story that makes such a difference for your sons. I tried for that with my ex on behalf of my daughters.

  29. Christine25199
    Christine
    2 years ago

    My dear husband Karel has passed away, but if I were to say that he is no longer in my life, then I deny a very strong feeling. The feeling of love and guidance.💞

    1. Rabbit81616
      Rabbit
      2 years ago

      Everyone we have know is a part of us, some more than others. So glad you still feel Karel’s love and you surely share it with others too.

    2. kevinthequaker123
      Kevin
      2 years ago

      Indeed, Christine, they remain in our lives every day even though that person may have passed.

    3. Antoinette88615
      Antoinette
      2 years ago

      Our love doesn’t die. Wonderful . ❤️

  30. Carla N84768
    Carla
    2 years ago

    Two spiritual gentle giants who role modeled fidelity to their values of caring for the elderly and destitute. They nurtured me in many ways in my 20’s. Alphonsia and Roselda; Franciscans in Colorado Springs,,

  31. M
    M Mohan Ram
    2 years ago

    My first girlfriend ” Mommy” and My grandfather


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