Grandma Pierce

My grandmother passed away on Monday, November 17th. She was almost 79 years old. She battled cancer and emphysema over four years. I'm glad she's not struggling to breathe any longer.

Mom and Dad flew to Florida only a few hours after hearing the news. Karen, Kristen, and I left on Wednesday. The funeral was Thursday. I know it was very hard for my mother and her sister, but everything went smoothly and was very nice. The best part of the short trip was being able to speak openly and honestly with the family about my grandmother. It was important that everyone talked about their memories - good and bad. That's what family is for.

When someone dies, there's always a lot of talk about the afterlife - being someplace better. Much of my family is very religious, as was my grandmother. They believe my grandmother is in heaven and that someday they will join her there. It's very comforting to think that the person who died is in a better place. Unfortunately, I don't believe that. I believe that people do not continue to exist after they die.

I totally respect my family's religious beliefs and know that it is very upsetting that I don't share them. I'm not writing this to upset anyone, I just want it to be very clear what I believe. I've thought a lot about dying since my grandmother died. I know that someday, I will die and it's not something that scares me or makes me sad. It's just part of life. However, I know that some people around me will still be living after I die. It's important to me that those people understand and respect what I believed about death. So, when I die, please don't talk about me being in a better place. I believe that my existence is over and that's something everyone should find peace in. Simply share your memories of me while I was living. That's how I want to be honored in death.

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