Our loss in between birthdays and Christmas

The first time I met Karen "Jamaica" 20 years ago, she welcomed me with open arms. She told her son, I like her, don't mess it up. I didn't know that I was talking to my mother-in-law. I have been a part of the Summers family ever since.

So today is very difficult. I can't even believe that I'm typing this; we just saw her yesterday....

On December 13, 2024, my sister-in-law called early to inform us that her mother (my mother-in-law) was unresponsive. I knew, I knew it wasn't good. Instantly, I woke my husband up. We were told that the medics tried for 30 minutes to revive her. But God had other plans. How is this possible? And all I can think about is, how are we going to tell her grandkids? Almost all of her grandchildren have birthdays this month and Christmas. Lizziah (her granddaughter)'s birthday is 12/14, Navy (her granddaughter)'s birthday is 12/15, Jakai (her grandson)'s birthday is 12/19, Daniel Jr (her grandson)'s birthday is 1/6! How are we to celebrate these moments with this unexpected loss?

We are really in need because we just found out that one of her life insurance policies has lapsed, and the other policy was just opened last month. How is the family supposed to pay for her funeral, grieve, and celebrate the birthdays and holidays? Our holidays will change forever.