Stop Posting That 'Last-Minute' Picture Holding Hands
Start writing a post
Student Life

Stop Posting that ‘Last-Minute’ Picture Holding the Hand of a Dying Relative

It is callous

719
Stop Posting that ‘Last-Minute’ Picture Holding the Hand of a Dying Relative

The finality of death is difficult to reconcile with, and the fact that memories fade over time only causes more grief. Thus, pictures are always a wonderful reminder of your loved one.

But, NOT that cliché, insensitive, basic picture of you holding your dying loved ones' hand.

Grieve how you want to grieve, but seriously posting this picture. In fact, it shocks me that while your loved one is dying, the ONLY thing you can think of doing is snapping that 'Instagram worthy picture' to show everyone that you are going through a very trying time.

Personally speaking, I have no pictures of my grandfather during his last few weeks-weeks that were spent in the hospital. The reason? I didn't have TIME to worry about whether or not him and I holding hands was going to get 100 likes. Furthermore, I would have felt ridiculous that in what could have been my last few moments with one of the most important people in my life I was worried whether or not I managed to snap that iconic hand-holding picture.

If you want to share your loss, by all means, share. Show us pictures that highlight the type of person they were, or the better times you shared with them. But please, the hand-holding picture needs to stop. Put your phone down and instead soak the moment in, because you will never get a chance to relive it, to feel their hand again, and most importantly, to just be living in their final moments with them and NOT your Instagram followers.

Related Articles Around the Web
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

40113
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

115158
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments