The Lion's Pride Volume 10 (Spring 2018) | Página 32

Embrace
Remy Springmeyer
Originally this essay was written after being given a fairly vague
narrative essay assignment. I decided to challenge myself and, in turn,
hopefully challenge the viewpoints of anyone reading. The topic of this
essay can be considered taboo for many people, but I find the
conversation necessary. We as a society should strive to accept and
embrace the end of life process instead of pushing it aside until you have
no other choice but to pay attention. All parts of life should be
celebrated and I believe that includes when it ends.
The first time I met him was at my grandpa’s funeral. I was six years
old, the youngest attendee. The sorrow filled the room like a dense fog,
unable to see anything but grief. Confused by the emotions around me, I
was ushered down the aisle of the church. As my family approached the
casket we waited in silence; one by one the relatives I’d never even
heard of sobbed their goodbyes. Before I knew it, it was my turn to look;
I peered into the satin lined box to see a man that was my grandfather.
He looked off, like a wax figure you’d see in a history museum. Then
again, I’d never seen him living so maybe he just had a strict skincare
regime.
That’s when he first grabbed my hand. There wasn’t any formal
introduction because I knew of him well, we’d just never met. He
walked me back to the aisle where my sisters were already seated and sat
beside me the whole service. He remained by my side as the funeral
proceeded. When the casket was lowered into the earth, he held me,