My Nanna, that yarn stealing 90 year old, left us today at 5pm.
We were prepared for her going, although we didn't know when.
My mother, her youngest daughter, got to see her and spend time with her just a couple of weeks ago and was content. My brother saw her only yesterday. He is probably the most surprised of all of us.
I was close to Nanna for a very long time.
When Dad was sent to Vietnam, Mum and I lived with them on the farm at Jerilderie. A few years later they sold the farm and came to live in Canberra to be near us and I saw her most weeks after that.
She helped teach me to knit and to do fancy work (embroidery) and for a few years, there, I was her yarn supplier for blanket squares which I sewed together for the Red Cross - she really hated sewing up.
We made dolls' clothes together, first for my dolls and then for hers. When Mum and Dad started going away for the winter, I'd come down from Sydney every couple of weeks to see she was alright.
She was a hard woman and a generous one. Once her mind was fixed on something there was nothing you could do to change it.
She made the best boiled fruit cakes and Christmas puddings and the worst savoury mince.
Her life was a hard one but mine is the richer for having her as a grandmother.
Knit on, Dot.
20 comments:
What lovely memories you have of your Nan. So wonderful for you to have had so much contact with her as you grew up. So sad that she has moved on. My condolences.
That's how I want to go - with my eye and hands on the best yarn and knitting right up until the end. Your Nan sounds like a real character and the love and respect you have for her shines through in your writing. Condolences on your loss.
What a lovely Nan to leave you with such wonderful memories.
Hugs to you ...
Sorry to hear that...
*hugs*
We are sad to hear of your nan's death, but what a wonderful person she was, and such a positive influence. She'll be 'stealing' yarn for eternity!!!
Sorry for your sad news.
I'm so sorry, Taph. That is a lovely eulogy you have written.
Sorry to hear that your Nan is gone. What a lovely tribute.
Hugs xox
I am so sorry. I'm here if you need me.
So sorry to hear your news. Your tribute to her is beautiful.
I'm so sorry Taph.
So very sorry to hear of your loss. My mother would be a similar age, was forced to stop knitting when her eyesight failed in later years. I like to think that they have found a knitting group with an endless supply of beautiful yarn, and they're trading patterns and techniques with each other! And laughing like young girls again.
Peace comes with time.
It sounds like she was a beautiful lady - so sorry.
All the best.
So sad to hear you Nan passed away - we are all the richer for our families and the wisdom of ladies like your Nan
Hugs
I'm sorry to hear of your loss - even when someone is elderly and has had a good innings - it's still painful and sad.
You have some wonderful memories of her, and I'm so glad you and your mum got to see her so recently.
What wonderful memories you have of your Nan. It is quite evident that she play a big role in your life.
I am sorry for your loss and envious of the relationship you had with your Nan.
Think of the stash she is accumulating now! I did not have any relatives that could knit and I envy that relationship (even if she was a yarn thief!)
Oh Taph, my heart cries for you.
My knitting/crocheting/sewing grandmother passed away twenty years ago but I still think of her and keep the bear she made me as a baby [52 years ago] on my bed as a reminder of all four wonderful grandparents!
Vale Dot!
It is never easy to lose someone you love, even when it is expected.
My thoughts are with you.
So sorry to hear this Taph. What an amazing woman who was able to enrich your life with teaching you to craft.
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