My grandmother has died. My father’s mother. At the age of 86. I really loved her and to me she was a complete inspiration. She led such an interesting life, spending a lot of time in Africa. From her I learnt the importance of conversation and the art of always managing to find an excuse to open a bottle of champagne. She was always so interested in other people and knew how to get the best out of them (by getting them and/or herself pissed usually). She was the ultimate “people” person and a party animal. She taught me how important it was to love and to laugh and to enjoy life, even when at times it all seemed a little futile.
I was a little freaked because it turned out that she died about 20 minutes after I had posted my last blog about death and it wasn’t something we knew was going to happen. I told my father that I had just written about a beautiful piece of writing on death and about how you “stand on the shoulders” of those that come before you. He said “if I’d stood on my mother’s shoulders I’d only have been two inches taller and I would have probably fallen off and broken the other arm”.
I feel truly privileged to have been part of her life and extremely lucky to have had her around until now. How lovely for my children to have had a Great Grandmother they will always remember.
December 16th, 2007 at 11:03 am
My sincere condolences, Lulu – it appears that you have some amazing memories of your grandmother – don’t ever forget them.
x
December 16th, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Please accept my condolences, celebrate her life, she sounds like she would have wanted you to.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:35 am
To love and laugh and live into one’s eighties is a true triumph.
My heartfelt sympathies for your loss.
December 17th, 2007 at 10:39 am
I’m so sorry to hear of your grandmothers passing. Sounds like she was a wonderful woman and you have fond memories of her!!