More From Suzanne Montgomery

Two years have gone by since I wrote my meditation, “Cleansing Tears.” At that time, my sister Beth had passed away only a month before, and I was still processing my sorrow. In many ways, I still am. But my focus has now changed.

Since my sister’s passing, her daughter gave birth to her first child—Beth’s first grandchild. This sweet boy is such a treasure. I see my sister in his eyes and the way he crinkles his nose when he laughs. He brings tremendous joy to my niece, my brother-in-law, and my elderly mother, helping us all move through the grief of Beth’s premature death from cancer.

When my great-nephew was born, I decided to pour my love into him as I know my sister would have. In no way can I ever replace her; I would never try to do that. However, I can carry on her legacy by spending time with him and sharing stories of his grandmother that only I would know. In this way, I can give him a glimpse of the incredible person Beth was and keep her memory alive.

My journey through grief started with cleansing tears, but I couldn’t stay there. True healing . . . my healing . . . only comes through the power of God’s love. So until my sister and I meet again in heaven, I hope to live as a faithful conduit of this healing love, honoring Beth’s legacy with all of her remaining friends and family who dearly miss her.