A Season of Transparent Grief

I struggle with social media, I really do.

There is an appropriate medium for everything, and social media typically lends itself to this “everything is rosy” facade, and I fully subscribe. But that is also why I have a blog to go deeper. To share not just the picture-perfect moments but to reveal maybe some of the struggle, difficulties or humour behind those images.

Living here in Luxembourg has been filled with adventure, there is no doubt. But being apart from friends and family has been hard. We have missed some big moments and little ones too. My heart aches when I hear, “Oh, I just popped over at grandma’s” or when there’s an impromptu family dinner.

But a silver lining to being on this side of the pond is the opportunity to spend some time with Ken’s extended family. His great aunt and uncle live in the Netherlands and on occasion, we have been able to make the 3.5 hour drive to visit .

This past weekend we had planned a trip and were excited to introduce them to Reid for the first time. We were looking forward to having them hold him and for Reid to get to know some new family members. Unfortunately, the weekend was spent in a hospital room. Ken’s great uncle was very sick. Despite the change in plans however, we still felt it was important to be there, even more so.

And so we spent our much anticipated trip in the Family Room of the hospital where Ken’s great aunt was able to play with Reid and read to him in Dutch. His great uncle, although incoherent, held his tiny little hand… these are moments we will forever cherish.

Now this context was not something we felt compelled to post all over social media. But what you will see is our short 30 minute drive to the ocean to sneak away. Reid taking steps in the sand, laughs that gave respite to heavy hearts, and a much welcomed break from a very emotionally draining weekend.

Unfortunately, we just received word that Ken’s great uncle passed away this week.

We are saddened and grateful at the same time. To have family here has been a blessing. To be able to share in the joys and struggles together has also been a blessing. 

This is what sharing life really looks like.