Tough Revelations

Today I had a little bit of "me time," as Damon took Alexa to her swim lesson so that I could have a much-needed hair appointment.  I had last been to the salon during the first part of November, so I was a bit anxious about the conversation that I was sure would happen.  These semi-regular appointments (doctors, optometrist, hairstylist) always seem to trigger the tough response to the most innocent questions.  I think that was part of the reason I was so lax about scheduling this appointment....

As soon as I saw my hairstylist today, she asked how everything was going, and specifically asked about Granty, as she had become aware of his cancer at our last appointment.  When I told her that Granty had passed away, her eyes immediately welled with tears, and she began to stammer, not knowing what to say.  Unfortunately I've become way too accustomed to these situations, so I tried my best to lighten the conversation and told her that I was okay and that good things were going to happen because of Granty's life.  I told her about some of the things we were doing to remember Granty and perpetuate his legacy (Run to Fight Cancer, Grant Hovannisian Memorial Golf Tournament, etc...), and she was impressed and ready to help however she could.

No matter how many times these situations happen, the revelation of Granty's death to people is one of the hardest conversations to have.  As tough as it is to recount his untimely passing, I know it's just as hard for the person hearing about it...there's no instruction manual for what to say about the death of a child.  I have heard countless times, "I'm sorry - I don't know what to say," and I can only reassure the person that I've been living this situation for the past three months, and I still don't know what to say.  All I can do is have faith that things happen for a reason, and I will become a better person as a result of this.

Miss You, Granty!  Really really really wish you were here.