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Children Quote by Mary Potter Kenyon

“I held back from seeing Jacob much during those weeks. He wanted only his mother, and I wasn’t sure I could handle seeing him like that. I stopped by to pick up his siblings and take them away, but I rarely went inside the house. After several days of this, I knew I must face the sight that my…” quote by Mary Potter Kenyon
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““I held back from seeing Jacob much during those weeks. He wanted only his mother, and I wasn’t sure I could handle seeing him like that. I stopped by to pick up his siblings and take them away, but I rarely went inside the house. After several days of this, I knew I must face the sight that my daughter faced daily. Inside, I approached the couch tentatively. Would I upset him? A few times when I had visited, he’d hidden his face in a blanket. I reached out hesitantly, touching his thin arm, the skin hot and dry as paper. He didn’t move, but I could see the rise and fall of his swollen chest. Suddenly, my legs gave way, and I dropped to my knees in front of the grandson that I loved so dearly. My hand shook as I lifted it to his soft, fuzzy head. I felt as though I was in the presence of someone very holy. “I love you,” I whispered, and when he didn’t respond, an even softer whisper, “Tell Grandpa that I love him and miss him.” And then, with a groan, “Dear God, don’t let him suffer.””

Mary Potter Kenyon

About This Quote

Source Memoir: Personal Reflections, 2015

He confronts his grandson’s suffering, expressing love, grief, and a plea for divine mercy.

In simple terms: Facing a dying loved one with love and prayer.

Key Takeaway

Offer love and pray in moments of loss.

Themes

grief love faith

Mood

somber hopeful

Type

reflective emotional

When to use this quote

  • hospital visits
  • family support
  • end‑of‑life care

Key Concepts

mortality compassion spirituality

Questions to Reflect On

  • What rituals help you cope with impending loss?
  • How can you support others in similar pain?
A Different Perspective

Grief can overwhelm, making it hard to stay present.

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