Tuesday 19 February 2013

Eulogy for Nan

Dear Nan,

We will miss you.

It is sad to think that you are no longer with us but I have so many good memories of times I spent with you.
On holidays as a child I would visit you and Pop in North Beach.
You were always welcoming, warm and affectionate, with lots of hugs and treats, always making me feel at home. I would always feel comfortable and safe spending time with you .

I remember many trips down to the beach with you and lots of the other cousins, swimming at Mettams Pool, playing in the sand and making sand castles.
Another time in my early teens you sat on the beach with mum anxiously watching me getting thrown around in the waves when I was learning to surf.

As a kid you took me on lots of special outings to Karrinyup and on the bus into the city.
You would take me to the movies and the shops, quite often with little presents here and there, occasionally into the old department stores for a haircut or to see father christmas.
Once staying with you on holiday I woke up one morning and could barely move.
You didn't fret or worry. You simply picked me up and carried me into the lounge room, wrapped me in a blanket and lay me down in front of the morning cartoons on television, then came back with a warm mug of milo and biscuits. As the day went by I began to move again - it turned out to be just a 24 hour virus - but a moment like that reminds me of how you cared for all of us so much.

You were always pleased when any of us came to visit, meeting us at the door with hugs and kisses on the cheek. The mantel pieces and cabinets in Sholl Ave and your unit in Trigg always had photos of the cousins and family gatherings proudly on display. Sometimes you would refer to Malcolm and Kevin as my boy or my baby and joke that they were looking a bit skinny and you needed to get them to visit so you could fatten them up !

There are so many other special moments I remember but what comes to mind now is your positive and loving spirit.
You were so giving and caring.
You had a heart of gold.
My times with you will always be remembered as a very special part of my life.

Rest in peace dear Nan.