Rest in Peace dear Mum.
31 st May 1934 - 26 th September 2010
Ross's tribute to Granny:
Today Granny would not want us to be sad, but rather have us celebrate her life. Her nine grandchildren brought her great happiness, and when we were younger we all used to receive teddy-bears and toys which she sewed for us. Her trademark heart which she sewed on to them was a clear representation of the kind, loving women that she was. I still clearly remember how spoilt we used to get when we went to visit her when she and Pa lived out at Walkerville. She would bake us cakes, buy us sweets and always give us a sticky sweet to enjoy on our way home in the car, much to my dad’s disgust.
The last two years that she lived with us, I really got to know her, talking to her for several hours every week. She would tell me all the stories of her life and would be there for me to talk to about my problems, and was always able to give me a little ‘pick me up’. At the end of everyday she would tell me to look in her cupboard, and everyday there would be a little tub of jellybabies, that she and I used to share.
When there was load shedding and nothing to do at night, Granny and I would play rummy by gas light. As a kid she always used to let me win, but as she got older the roles seemed to reverse and I was the one letting her win.
Granny really loved her food, and I will never forget her meal at the Durban Country Club, despite her lack of sight and her struggle to walk, she still managed to get up to the buffet, not just once, but seven times! Granny had a great sense of humour and didn’t mind our teasing her.
As she grew weaker, she always used to call for me to help her, because she trusted that I wouldn’t let her fall, as it was her greatest fear. I always remember when I went to visit her in her room, her saying, ‘That’s the one I want to see.’ We had a special bond. It broke my heart that I could not take away her pain and suffering. But now she is in a better place, she loved the Lord and was ready to go home to Him. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.
I will always remember you, Granny, as the beautiful woman sitting out on the veranda reading your book, as cheerful as can be. I will always Love you.
Doreen's prayer for her Mum.
Dear Lord,
A familiar noise now startles me,
I sadly turn in anticipation,
Knowing "Granny" won't be back,
Is becoming a daily realisation.
You had seen her suffering,
Looked down at her tired face;
So You lifted her to rest,
In Your special chosen place.
Oh Lord, how we miss her,
Even though she is safe with You.
One more hug, a look, a word,
Will never happen again, it's true.
That does not mean we must forget,
Or hide away feelings, so deep.
Our love for her will never change,
Cherished memories, we'll keep.
The loss we feel is hard to bear,
Each heartache You already know;
You understand our every need,
Your comforting love to us, You show.
One day we will be called home too,
To dwell in Heaven for all eternity.
So we await that glorious day,
When, reunited with "Granny" we will be.
Amen.
