For my brothers and sister and I, every childhood family holiday was to Hobart, staying with Nanna and Grandad. Later on, we would see them more often as they took their caravan to Far North Queensland each winter, with a long stop in Melbourne each way. On those trips, Nanna would take charge in our home to help Mum - she would be straight in cooking some meals to freeze for us, ironing all the clothes, making sure we were stocked up on fruit cake and other goodies.
She would dote on us, bring us presents, warm our towels over the heater to snuggle us up in after a bath, and sneak sweets to us when Mum left the room. When we were in Hobart there was always considerable thought into what each of us liked to eat. Coco Pops was the usual treat that we were only ever allowed to have at Nanna's, and she would also make sure my love of eating leftovers for breakfast was taken care of.
Nanna was never happier than the times her house was full of family - and that was quite often. Everyone knew the door was always open and the biscuit tin would be full of lemon slice and Anzac biscuits. Jokes were flung around the room, amid non-stop laughter.
My most recent memories of Nanna are from when we took Abbey to Hobart to meet her and Grandad. They loved her, of course, and couldn't believe how strong and determined she already was. Nanna had a couple of quick holds (they were brief due to Abbey's desire to escape from anyone trying to cuddle her!) and we managed to get a couple of pictures: the one above, and this one of the four generations (Nanna, Mum, me and Abbey):
To Nanna and Grandad, family was always number one. It is something that hit me with unbelievable force at Grandad's funeral, and comes back to me now: they both lived long lives and were surrounded by family who love them and hold memories of countless great times and so many laughs, as well as support and loyalty through the not-so-great moments. What more could you want from life?
I certainly couldn't ask for a better role model than Nanna, and I intend to continue to make her proud.
xo
Megan
14 comments:
Oh, Megan, I'm so sorry. She sounds exactly like my manna, right down to the lemon slice and towels over the heater!
I'm dreading the day when any of my grandparents pass, but you've reminded me that I need to make the most of them while they are still around. x
That was meant to say nanna, by the way. xx
Dear Megan so sorry about the passing of your Nana, in your post you reminde me of my nonna that passed away long time ago, and she always had in her bag liquorice lolly, so your Nana and my nonna loved top give us lolly behind our mum back, and that's what i will do if one day in the future I will have the privilege to became Nana/nonna, lovely post sending you a big hug, love ooxx
Beautiful post. Your Nanna, I am certain, would be very, very proud of you and of your blog. She would undoubtedly be very touched by this, and you have done her memory great justice.
Will be thinking of you this weekend in Hobart. x
Megan, sounds like you and I are alike! I love leftovers for breakfast! This post is simply gorgeous, and I think you're nanna would be honoured that you see her as an example! Your nanna sounds like she was wonderfully mischievious person! Thanku for sharing this post with us, I wish u strength for the weekend and that your goodbye will be meaningful! Xxxxxxxxxxx
This is a lovely post- at least she had a full and happy life and you have fond memories of your time together.
Gorgeous photo of all the generations together!
She sounds like a lovely lady Megan and I am sure that she would be very proud of you.
How great that she got to meet your daughter before she passed on.
Hold onto those memories of your Nanna. I am sure she would have loved to have read this post if she could. Or maybe she has! Who knows! xxx
I'm sorry to hear about your Nanna. You really sound like you loved her and respected her. I am thinking of you and yours.
So sorry to hear about your loss Megan. What a lovely tribute you've written to your Nanna - it sounds like she was a wonderful role model and lived a very happy life.
What a lovely lady. Nannas are very special. I treasure my 4 generation photos, too. My Nan passed away when my boy was 7mths old. She got to hold him a couple of times. She never met my little girl but I'm sure she watches her from Heaven.
I'm sorry for your loss. xx
Sad times Megan. Your description and memories of your beautiful Nanna are so very special.
Megan, I'm sorry for your loss. Your Nanna sound like a lovely lady. xxx
Thank you all for your lovely thoughts and beautiful comments. She was such a special lady, and I am so thankful for the time I had with her.
Thea - I'm sure your Nanna is watching over you all. I like to think mine will 'see' my little girl grow up from wherever she is now.
xo
Megan, as Jewish people say to mourners, I wish you and your family a very long life. You are so lucky to have had such wonderful times with her, and I think it's comforting to know she didn't have to stay behind long without her beloved husband.
xxxxxxx
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