The loss of a loved one — whether expected or sudden — is among the most difficult experiences every human must endure.

Those who know me best know my father’s father — John Sowers — was my best friend growing up.

He taught me how to play checkers and how to fish. But more important, he taught me how to treat others. Memories of seeing him volunteering at the hospital, spending countless hours at his church and listening to anyone who needed to talk showed me what I wanted to be.

I wanted to be good.

And when he passed away, it hurt more than I could ever describe.

This week my girlfriend’s grandmother passed, and I know the experience has been the same for her.

Just one day after Rachel and I had visited with her before heading to Easter service, she was gone.

Having only interacted with her a handful of times, there was much I did not know about her. But there’s also much I do know.

I know she made Rachel who she is today. I know she was to Rachel what my grandpa was to me. I know she would never say it, but just as my grandpa was to me, I know she is the measuring stick Rachel will judge her life.

In his later years, my grandpa had health concerns and medical scares. Every time he would go to the hospital, he would come back. And when I talked to him the day before he passed, it was like any conversation we’d had since the days I was bouncing on his knee.

This will be a be difficult time for Rachel and her beautifully close knit family to endure, but I hope the pain caused by her sudden passing can someday be replaced by the memories and lessons she leaves behind.

Wednesday afternoon, family and friends gathered around as Virginia “Jennie” Roe Davis was laid to rest at the family’s cemetery plot in rural Dekalb County.

Following the brief and beautiful graveside service, everyone gathered at Jennie’s house to share a plate of food and stories about her life.

It was the day she deserved.

The brilliance of Wednesday’s sunshine was only outdone by memories of her bright smile, infectious laughter, and her love for the world around her.

Having spent so little time with Jennie over the first year of my relationship with Rachel, it was plain to see who she was.

She was sweet and she was joyful. But it was clear to me the first time we talked that she was good.

And like my grandfather, Jennie made those around her better for knowing her.

I have no doubt that she will live on, like I believe my grandfather has, in those whose lives she changed forever.

One day I will see Jennie and John again, and I hope they can tell me that I was good, too.