Celebrate Freedom

I grew up with one set of grandparents as my father’s parents passed away before I was born. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to spend time with them even though they too passed early in my life. I only had the chance to see them every summer until I reached the age of eight years old, which is when they passed away. Although this was my case, I was lucky enough to create a wonderful relationship with the pastor from the church I have attended for as long as I can remember. He became a grandpa figure for me, to the extent that he called me “granddaughter.”  Everything I wished I did with my biological grandpa, I was able to do with him. He was my best friend, my shoulder to cry on, and my “walking wisdom book,” as I liked to call him. A year ago today, on the Fourth of July,  the dearest person in my heart passed away. At first, I felt like my world was falling into pieces with his departure, but later, I realized I should cherish everything I have learned from him, including his death day.

Freedom. Peace. Liberty. When I would celebrate the Fourth of July, we always took a moment of silence and truly celebrated freedom in our own ways. However, this was not the case last year since we were all heartbroken. I questioned why my grandpa would pass away on a federal holiday that everyone celebrates in their own ways. I realized, though, the mark that my grandpa left with his passing; he taught me to be free and celebrate my freedom. He once told me that humankind does not die when the heart stops beating, but rather dies when, in one way or another, stops feeling important. Therefore, I reflected on my life and realized I stopped feeling important with his passing; I did not have anyone to call when times were tough, nor did I have any grandpa jokes to put a smile on my face. His death not only demonstrates the freedom from pain and suffering he is now experiencing, but also teaches me to let go of the things weighing me down. The question then becomes, what is impeding you from being free? 

I encourage you to reflect as we approach The Fourth of July, on the freedom you want to achieve. My grandpa once told me that we do not start living unless we step out of our comfort zone. We become people with habits and routines that each day that passes is a challenge to try something new, although the opportunity is there. Every person is battling their own pain and suffering, some you can relate to while others you cannot. In both cases, though, we share the feelings of pain and a lack of freedom. Every person you encounter is part of a family and that family could be filled with pain, loss, isolation, violence, fears, unity, connection, etc. however, what family do you want to create? When people see you, what are they seeing? When you look at yourself in the mirror, what are you seeing? Are you willing to work with the person you see in the mirror? 

My hope after reading this blog, is that you feel empowered to commence your journey to freedom. The change may not happen swiftly, but with dedication and willingness, anything is possible. Perhaps you think you are not deserving of freedom from your past history or decisions you have made, but I will say, you once were free, and you can reach that state of being again. Therefore, promote freedom, love freedom, and live in freedom. 

Written by : Rachel Garcia; Masters Intern at Olive Branch

If you need support, live in the Chicago area, and would like to speak to a professional counselor, please contact Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc. at 708-633-8000. We are located at 6819 West 167th Street in Tinley Park, Illinois 60477.