There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8This memorial website was created to remember our dearest mom and grandmother(
Zephrie Griffin) who was born in
United States on
August 29, 1922 and passed away on
August 28, 2013. You will live forever in our memories and hearts.
Dear Family,
I am already thinking of the first anniversary of Mom’s passing, although it is three weeks away. Mom lived to be almost 91 years of age even after taking her body through dialysis treatments three times a week. Mom only ceased to exhibit her aura of love and magnetic smile several days before her passing. Willie and I are so blessed that we were able to care for her at out home, and we have no regrets of the many sacrifices we endured in order to spend quality time with her. To be by her bedside when she called; to hold her hand; to pray with her; to watch her marvel at her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; to listen to stories of her childhood and reminisce the highlights of her life; to enjoy morning coffee time together. There are so many great memories to forever cherish.
I have began to journal all of my 'Firsties' (the first year of holidays, Mother's Day, special events, anniversaries, birthdays, etc. following mom’s death). I've even experienced a great synchronicity of finding dimes during specific times of feeling Mother's presence. The support of family and close friends has been phenomenal. Of course, I've taken doses of my own medicine as far as practicing what I preach. Despite it all, as I approach the first anniversary, I am still feeling lost as to how I will remember, honor, and celebrate 365 days without our Mother.
Light a candle; go to the cemetery; do one of her favorite activities; plan a family memorial dinner and fun time; plant a tree, flower, or plant; write another book; take a trip to pristine blue waters and parasail; volunteer at an organization; go shopping for something that she would admire; spend the night at a hermitage; make a memorial collage; take up a new hobby; plan a dance party; go on a dinner cruise; spend time at the park, wait and allow the spontaneous creativity to kick in; or, take a sabbatical day and do nothing at all (although quite difficult for me).
The grief journey is unique to each of us because we are all unique individuals. Do we ever complete the journey? Do we heal? Do we recover? Many professionals and authors on the subject have theories about the grieving process. Statistics say that it can take five to eight years to recover from a devastating loss. I say, with the proper tools, support, and action, it doesn't have to take that long. I do know that is true because when Dad died many years ago, I indeed suffered that long. I didn't know about grief support resources; or, that the emotions of sadness, pain, and hurt were normal and natural responses to loss. I encourage all of you to light a candle on this website, submit pictures or stories about mom. If I were there in MichiganI would arranged for a dinner with the entire family at her favorite restaurant (mom loved to eat out). As that is not a possibility let’s celebrate mom’s life in on this website. I love all of you! See you soon!
Remember to cherish the memories and embrace the future.
Love, Willie and Carla
