Angela Nazworth
About the Author

Angela Nazworth is a shame-fighting storyteller who writes mostly about the beauty of grace, faith, friendship, vulnerability and community. She is a wife and a mother of two. Angela's also an encourager, a lover of good books, coffee, girl's night out, sunshine, and waterfalls. In the 15 years since she...

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
Recent Posts

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Angela, thank you for writing on this heart topic, and at a time when it is touching you so deeply. I honour you for your integrity and compassion.
    The last time I truly cried was at my beloved grandmother’s funeral, 30 years ago. My pain at the time was agonizing and I sobbed and cried hysterically in my mother’s arms. A well meaning older Christian lady pulled me from my mother and told me off for making such a fuss. I returned to university that same day, my mourning over. I have not been able to cry since. The pressure of needing to cry is there often but no tears.
    Angela, I pray that your grieving will be whole and will last as long as it needs and that you will be surrounded by loving friends who are not afraid of death or grief.
    Your grandad sounded great, I should have loved to meet him.
    Xx

    • Dear Ruth, I am so sorry that that happened to you. Your young heart was seared by someone else who was uncomfortable with showing emotions. I pray that precious Holy Spirit will touch your heart and tenderize it and make you whole again. Allow your emotions to come alive again as that is how God our Father made us to be……

  2. Sorry for your loss – the passing of a believing loved one is always bittersweet. Knowing you will see them again one day does not minimise the void in your life now – somedays it is a tension that is hard to hold.

  3. So sorry for your loss. I am in a grief process. My sister died 3 months ago. Today will be bittersweet as we celebrate her first birthday in heaven.

  4. Angela, I am so sorry for your loss. Love and prayers.
    It is often “easier” to accept death when it happens to someone who has been ill or is older, because we can somehow “justify” it. Those unhelpful statements are usually the same ones I say to myself when trying to get through my own grief, though it does not change the feeling of loss or of love. It is a way of coping.
    Young and sudden death is harder. The scars deeper and longer lasting. I have recently discovered that I did not feel and process the pain of a young and sudden death from over 20 years ago. As a result I am a bundle of anxiety and fear. I dread the “What if’s” I may have to face if I were to suddenly lose someone close to me. I am learning to lay my anxiety and fear at His feet Every. Single. Day.

  5. I’m so so sorry for your loss, Angela. People like this are true treasures and true gifts. How wonderful to have had him in your life! May you be blessed and have peace during this time.x

  6. This is a beautiful tribute to your grandfather. Your loss is huge and I am sorry that you are walking this grief road. I appreciate your willingness to share your insight as you sojourn. I am going to share this with my 19 year old daughter. Her daddy and my husband died on her 16th birthday. Your words are an encouragement. John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. B

    • Thank you, Jill! Prayers and hugs to you and your sweet daughter for your loss. What a heartbreak! I’m glad that my words brought comfort and rejoice in the beautiful scripture you shared.

  7. I am sorry for the loss of your grandfather. God gave me a wonderful grandma and yesterday was the one year anniversary of losing her. I miss her daily! No one loved me like she did. I miss holding her hand, laughing while playing cards, going out to eat, her godly example and her wisdom. Thank you for speaking such words of comfort to my breaking heart.

  8. I am reading this on the day after burying my husband of 21 years. I am so sad I cannot describe it. One thing I want is to open my heart to the Father everyday and just ask, “what would you have me do today?” I don’t know any other way I can imagine living.

      • Lori, I am so sorry for the profound loss of your husband.
        Heavenly Father,
        You see Lori and know her pain. And you promise to stick closer than a brother through the sorrows of this life. Holy Spirit, wrap Lori in your presence and fill her to overflowing with your peace. Let her FEEL your presence and your comfort in a tangible way. Let her fall, headlong into your loving arms and weep without feeling like she has to DO or BE anything right now. But even as she weeps Lord, let there be hope. Hope in You, and in your tender mercies which are new every morning. Bring life to her spirit and hope to her aching heart.
        Father, you promise to attend to our needs and supply to overflowing. Show Lori your love through the expression of your Church, your servants, with meals, cards, comforting words, rides, monetary help, etc.
        Lord, we choose to trust you in the darkest moments of our lives, knowing that you alone are our Light. Be the Light in Lori’s darkness. In the sovereign name of Jesus we pray.

  9. thank you for this great encouragement. My husband passed away in 2012 and the last day on earth was our granddaughters birthday, we sang happy birthday to her that day. I will never forget it, he died just shortly after midnight that night so his date of death was not actually her birthday but I always think of what he did on his last day here on earth and reading this just reminded me of that and yes I’m thankful for the memories but miss so much. thank you for writing this. I know it must have been hard.

  10. Thank you for your brave, transparent, honest sharing. Your insights on grieving and processing the pain are an encouragement to me.

  11. This is such a beautiful post. I had a very similar relationship with my grandmother. She went to her eternal home almost 7 years ago. I miss her every day.
    I love your words today, and pray for your aching heart during this time.
    Love,
    Jennifer

  12. Keep remembering and cherishing all those wonderful moments together…more will come!
    I just bet there is strawberry ice cream and wonderful woods to walk through in Heaven…at least on the new earth to come…
    oxo
    Jess

  13. What a wonderful man, and a wonderful relationship to have had! I am so sorry for your pain and your loss. We never stop missing the loved ones we’ve lost, even when we KNOW they are whole, perfect and with our Lord! Such a bittersweet time, waiting to be united and not being ready to go. I am grateful for the presence of our loving God to pace with us for the rest of our days until we can all be reunited in glory. Until then, may He bring you much peace. ((( <3 ))) Hugs and love, Angela.

  14. Angela, I am so sorry for your profound loss. At nearly 100 years of age, my great aunt laid down for a nap and woke up in heaven. No suffering, no sickness. That was nearly 10 years ago. And I STILL miss her. Even as I’m typing this, tears are trickling down my cheeks. The influence she had on my life was immeasurable and if it weren’t for her, I’m not sure I would know the Lord today.
    Thank you for sharing some of your sweet memories with us today. You go ahead and cry sweet thing. Bury your head in the chest of a safe and understanding loved one, and mourn the earthly loss of a great man. It’s ok.

  15. Your grandfather has such a kind face! Just from the expression on your dear grandfather’s face, I can see why you loved him and felt loved by him. I am so sorry for your loss.

  16. I’m so sorry for your loss, Angela. It sounds like he was (still is) such a beautiful soul. Your heart must feel so devastated.

    “I think that sometimes Christians are afraid to grieve or at least feel guilt when they mourn as if they are dishonoring Christ’s sacrifice by shedding tears for their loss.” So sad, but so true through a variety of losses in life. Thanks so much for sharing, Angela.

  17. Angela, Thank you for sharing your special relationship with your grandfather. My 99-year-old grandmother, who was a Godly model of grace and beauty, passed away in December. And just over a month ago, I read Corinthians 13: 1-8 at her funeral Mass. It was that love we shared that keeps her alive in all of us … and yeah, we miss her gentle, loving hands like crazy. But we still have her love 🙂

  18. Angela,
    Thank you for sharing your wise words. Grief doesn’t ever end. It just changes with time, and the ache feels different. I love that you read 1 Cor. 13 at your Grandfather’s funeral. “Love is paramount to healing. Love is necessary for living life well.” – so very, very true.

    Your words touched my heart this morning. Thank you for being brave and vulnerable enough to share. Many prayers to you and your family.

  19. Wow, that I should read of your experience today! Yesterday, on my birthday, my mom-in-law left this earth as well, to be with Jesus. Although not unprepared, as she was ill at 95, I still grieve for the times I know I will miss her so. I’ve been trying to figure out if there is any significance I should know about that God would call her home on my birthday. Why not the day before, or the day after? I loved that you put into words how I’m feeling and if you don’t mind will change the wording to apply to myself. “I consider it an honor that my mother-in-law and I now share a birthday … my earthly … her eternal.”
    Thank you, Carleen

  20. I’m so sorry for you loss. But… you have the right to grieve! You lost a very precious person near and dear to your heart. God bless you and your family.

  21. What beautiful and achingly true words. My grandfather was the light of my life and the only person that I knew who loved me unconditionally. I still miss him so much after 38 years but realize with each passing year what a profound blessing he was and the positive impact he has made in my life
    Some of your words about people’s comments hit very close to home as well. My 27 year old brother was killed in a car accident in 1999 and I realized how hard it is for people to be around those in deep grief. I now volunteer with Hospice and am writing a book about Redeeming Loss in hopes that I might help ease the pain of those who feel as if they have no one they can turn who wants to listen or share their pain. Blessings and prayers for you and all of those who have posted of the painful losses they have endured or are enduring now. Peace to all of you.

  22. I am sorry for your loss. Your article came on the day, 12 yrs ago, that my beloved husband awoke in the arms of our Lord. Our 21 mo. old son never had the chance to know his father. We honor his memory through memories, and doing thing his father and I loved to do. So honor your grandfather with walks in the woods with your children, sharing memories and wisdom of your grandfather. Tell stories, laugh and cry. Let them feel the spirit and love of your grandfather through your stories and activities. And eat strawberry ice cream. Every. Chance. You. Can. Salute and honor him daily!

  23. Hi Angela,

    I am so sorry for the loss of your grandfather. I can tell from the photo how much you loved each other. Praying for you and your family during this difficult time. God Bless.

  24. Praying comfort for you, from the only One who knows it all…
    My 15 year old granddaughter and 10 year old grandson lost their 37 year old father last summer…The Lord has been so faithful to them, as we help them to get through it.
    Blessings,
    Susan

  25. ….Wow! What a BEAUTIFUL, TOUCHING, ENCOURAGING TESTIMONY….! Thank you, SOOO much! Now, you BE ENCOURAGED…LET GOD’S WORD SPEAK TO YOUR SPIRIT, AS YOU READ, STUDY, MEDITATE, PRAY FOR HELP… I SHARE YOUR JOY, SORROW, PAIN, TEARS, HOPE, FAITH, MEMORIES, TOO, NOW THAT YOU HAVE SHARED….”JOY SHARED BECOMES A CELEBRATION….SORROW SHARED BECOMES LESSENED….” Thanks, AGAIN, FOR SHARING!

  26. Angela, I am so sorry for your loss and the grief you are dealing with now and in the days ahead. I am writing to you through tears myself, as my father passed away on January 9th, and I am still trying to process all the feelings. Our God is with us. You know that. I know that. And that is what will sustain us. But sometimes I cannot imagine that I won’t see my precious dad’s face again this side of heaven or hear his laugh (we shared a common sense of humor), or have him walk me down the aisle (I’m 53 and getting married for the first time, soon). But this life on earth is short compared to the time we will share again in eternity. I hang onto that every day. Sometimes it helps, and sometimes to be honest it doesn’t. With life comes ‘change’. Change is difficult, whatever the circumstances, for most of us. But the one thing that NEVER changes is our Heavenly Father’s love and care. Thank you, Jesus. And… I love you Dad.

  27. what a beautiful, truthful and loving testimonial this is – a real ‘keeper’. It’s beautiful that you had such a loving, non-judgemental relationship. I think I will probably feel very similar to you when my mother dies. Just today I had a conversation with my ‘flower woman’ at the Friday market about what our family means to us…. how suitable that I should continue to read about this theme more and in such a loving way. Thank you very much Angela; I shall pray for him, you and your family…. Surely, God will receive him (have received him….) with a ‘huge angelic choir’ and a ‘Halleluja, now you’re with us….’ – it’s always ever the ones left ‘behind’ to be sad and disconsolate.

  28. What a sweetie you had for a grandpa. I really liked reading about him and how much you love him…and always will. The love doesn’t stop. The relationship changes, but the love continues.
    Many times people, my mom included, said ” I shouldn’t cry for them.” My response has always been, “yes, of course you can! That person is worthy of being missed. You had many experiences with them and now you’ll miss those. ”
    My mom has been gone 2 years this month and I still miss her. Still shed tears of loss. The intense pain does lessen with time, fortunately, but the loss is always there. I was blessed to have a Godly loving mom.
    Great thoughts you have shared. Often we think mourning is a sign of being weak and you reminded us all it isn’t. Prayers for your broken heart. I found writing was a great outlet for me, perhaps it is for you too.

  29. Angela, I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for being honest and transparent. I know it had to be hard, but judging from the comments, something that many needed. I remember that when my grandparents died, being told that we should not cry because they were Christians and were in heaven. I love your words, “But grief does not erase love or hope, it just means that your heart aches for more time with someone you cherish, while you’re celebrating that you had the opportunity to know that person in the first place.”

    Thank you.

  30. I love your words I feel your pain. I buried my dad on my oldest brother birthday . I was glad he went on to glory never to feel the pain again. But I still hear him say my name…. I pray you are strengthen daily. my husband words to me when I lost my dad, because he lost his mom right after his high school graduation. .. I say to you…you never get over it, you just learn how to live with it. May God bless you
    Kresendo Smith

  31. Angela,
    It is hard to loss someone that is dear to you. Our Heavenly Father has a special place for your grandfather in Heaven. 51 years ago yesterday my Mom went home to be with her Heavenly Father. Now we are waiting for this dear friend to go home to be with her Heavenly Father. She is a good friend, Bible Study teacher, Mom, wife, and grandmother as well as a great Aunt to her nieces and nephew that their parents passed away several years back. Our hearts go out to you in loving sympathy and love.
    May God be with you and your family.
    Becky

  32. Angela, I know exactly how you feel. My grandfather passed on Jan 3, my sisters 18th birthday, and watching him suffer was the hardest part. He was our family’s rock and I can’t believe he’s gone. Thank you for endorsing grief as well as rejoicing!

  33. So sorry for your loss. Praying you feel comfort and peace from our Heavenly father.
    I lost my grandmother 3 days before Christmas and that was tough. God knows I miss her. I only hope I can leave a legacy of love like she did.
    Thank you for this timely post.
    God bless you!

  34. Your words are beauitful and as I read them, the passage from 1 Corinthians came to mind before I read all the way through. Yes, the greatest of these is love. Love is the one action and emotion that does not end in death. I am thankful that you had such a special man in your life. Your children will know him through the stories you share and knowledge that you loved him for all the reasons you shared.
    As difficult as grief can be, it is a constant reminder to me of how much I loved that person.

  35. Perfect story on grief and the loss of a dear loved one. I am sorry to hear of your loss. I also lost my Grandmother who was so special to me. Nothing could help me, I had to just grieve. Thank you for this story!

  36. Thank you for sharing your pain and your memories with us. I have experienced grief and loss at several levels, daughter, wife, friend, sister. No matter how much we know in our head that all is well, it still hurts. Only God can heal that hurt. It took me a long time to learn that when I was 17 and my dad died. Now I can say that God loved me and was there for me, even when I lost my way. Today I know He holds my hand and that through it all He has helped me grow. I am so glad you have such wonderful memories. You are truly blessed. May that love that you have felt all these years continue to be near you as you share your memories with your family so they too know this man who loved you so much. It works that way. God Bless

  37. Dear Angela,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my 21-year-old son to suicide nearly 15 years ago, and wanted to share a gem of healing with you. I was scheduled to lead the worship at a “Healing the Wounded Woman” retreat just two month after Aaron’s death. In the fog of all that comes with a loss, I hadn’t checked my calendar closely. When I discovered that was on my calendar in pen, I groaned, “Lord, I can’t possibly lead worship for these women now. This time, I”M the wounded woman.” Softly in my spirit, I heard, “Like you weren’t before? Trust Me, follow Me, and I’ll do it through you.” I remember little in my conscious mind, but my friend wore out two worship tapes from that conference. At that conference, the leader, Wendy Thomas, told me that studies have been done on tears, and tears of grief have a unique chemical construction. These tears are meant to heal you, and if you refuse to shed them, you will not heal. I can attest to that fact from experience. When I returned to my first year teaching job, not quite two weeks after his suicide, I was okay during the teaching week, but every Friday on my 30 minute commute, I cried the whole way home. I didn’t think too much about it, but when I went home after an early out on a Wednesday, and again cried all the way home, I asked out loud, “What is this about?” The Lord spoke to my heart, “I’m the only one in the car with you, and I’m not going to be uncomfortable with your tears, or tell you to suck it up and get over it. This grief is between you and Me.” What a relief! How priceless to know that our Father (who lost His only Son, too) would be there with an understanding unlike any other, as well as the ability to heal our shattered hearts.

    Grief does not make an appointment. It shows up at most inopportune times, and can take your breath away when you least expect it. This is normal. How long does grieving take? How many tears do you need to shed? Only He knows, and He will be there, catching each tear in the bottle He has reserved for you. Knowing He catches all my tears in a bottle also tells me there is a time when the bottle is full, and the work of grief is done. Because of the faithfulness of Our Lord, I know Angela, that this story of yours is not finished, but He will finish the work He has started in you. My prayers are with you as you grieve.

    Blessings,
    Peggy Forstad

  38. I am so sorry for your loss. I am actively grieving my 26 year old son. Overdose on his birthday 8-31-13. My 2 year old passed in 1992. She would be 24 this year. I don’t have the right words to say, I only know how grief physically and mentally takes a toll. I am a believer. I believe we will all be together again. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story.

  39. God’s comfort and peace as only He can give….
    may i encourage you with words that have been given to me…in the many times that i’ve needed it…..change those “buts” into “ands”……
    you grieve the loss of your grandpa AND you were so blessed to have him in your life.
    you wish you could have heard him sing “happy birthday” ONE more time AND you can remember those times that you heard him sing.
    i think you get my point. there is no BUT when we live in reality with Jesus….there are only ANDs….
    AND the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your heart and mind through Christ Jesus. in the midst of the deep valley of grief!
    God’s blessings as you remember you beloved grandpa!!!!
    tara

  40. Beautiful words, Angela, and such wise sentiment. I lost Daddy a year and a half ago, and though the daily is ache has gone away, there are times that I still miss him terribly. It can be difficult when others – yes, even those closest to me – don’t understand the rawness of those feelings. But looking back, I too have been guilty of uttering placeholder words. So thanks for encouraging mourning…healing…feeling. It is only in experiencing grief fully, I think, that we can honor how He created us in our humanity, in our relationships and with our loved ones. You are dear…God bless you during this difficult time.

  41. Oh my, Angela, how you put into the words the very things I feel! I lost my beloved dad just three weeks ago – and get the very same comments you’ve experienced! In fact, someone said to me today, “…but at least you still have memories of your dad.” Yes, but I still grieve and miss him terribly. Yes, I know he’s no longer in a broken body and in the presence of the Lord, but I miss him still. A part of my heart will never be whole again…the piece that was reserved just for him…my dad, the first man I ever loved. Praying for you during this time of loss…I know just how you feel.

  42. Angela,

    Condolences on the loss of your grandfather. He sounds like a fun guy to have known.

    My mother died 4 years 5 months ago after a 2 year battle with dementia and years of heart trouble & stroke. It was “easy” for me at first when she died. I rationalized that she would be better off in Heaven and have her mind back. Also my dad would finally be free from the 24/7 caregiving duties.

    Yesterday (1/26/14) would have been her 89th birthday and was my 10th wedding anniversary. I find it hard still at times not to miss her. Certain songs, shows, movies, etc. remind me of the mom I once knew. I cry. Go ahead and mourn the loss of your beloved grandfather. Cry all you need to. Remember God said that he captures our tears and keeps them in a bottle for us.

    God Bless you! 🙂

  43. Angela, I can understand the grief you are going through. I lost my husband 13 months ago. We had 49 years and 8 months together. He was the most kind and loving man I ever met. I miss him terribly. We have a 23 year old granddaughter who he loved dearly and she loved him. Like you, she spent a lot of time with her GrandPa since we cared for her from 3 weeks to 13 years of age. She could do no wrong in his eyes. He was a man that always had a smile and a kind friendly word for everyone. Everyone who knew him liked and respected him. My neighbors have cut my grass, shoveled my snow in his honor. Time and time again the Lord has brought a verse to encourage me and I hope it will encourage others who have lost someone they loved dearly. It is found in Deut.31:6: ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified. The Lord your God goes with you. He will NEVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU.’

  44. I LOVE this post. I have read, and re-read, smiling and crying through the words each time. You have so eloquently spoken my heart. Grandpa’s are the best and no matter how much time we were lucky enough to have them for, it never feels like enough. There is always longing for one more walk, talk, twirl and laugh. I just lost my uncle two weeks ago. We held his service on Friday the 24th. As I shared at his memorial, he filled many spaces in my life, a father figure, a big brother, an uncle but first and foremost he was one of my best friends. With only a 9 year age difference we great up closely. He was always my childhood hero. He suffered greatly the last couple years, he became a lost soul trying to find his place, he suffered the loss of his family, he watched his home burn to the ground, his health began to fail and there near the end he lost his spark for life. His laugh and his keen ability to make everyone around him smile started to fade a little. He was young, only 47. I would give just about anything for one more hour, day, week. So much left unsaid, and so many wonderful memories tucked away on the shelves of my heart….but none of them can replace the hurt and the pain, the life sucking yearning to just look into his eyes one more time. To share conversation across a table, to analyze life and then laugh about it. I appreciate your post, it’s timing and it’s sincerity because never in my life have I been able to relate more. Right now facing each day is challenge and it isn’t because I am not blessed. I am. I have so much to give thanks for and live a beautiful life, but I miss the man who meant the world to me.

  45. Grief is such a hard thing to go through… I pray His comfort for you as you are on this ‘journey’… Less than a month ago I lost a good friend…I miss her daily. My close friend just lost her beautiful 22 year old niece and grieves daily… And we ‘travel’ on…in His comfort…peace… and hope…
    Thanks for sharing your story of your lovely relationship with your grandfather.
    May He be close to you today.