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 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.””
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.
Offer love and pray in moments of loss.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- hospital visits
- family support
- end‑of‑life care
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What rituals help you cope with impending loss?
- How can you support others in similar pain?
Grief can overwhelm, making it hard to stay present.