Anyway here is a copy of the speech and poem I wrote. The service was simple but good. It was a great chance for our family to get together and share memories. Giving the speech was hard. I still don't know how I held it together but I'm proud I could do it for Nan. I share it now as a way to keep the images of her alive.
As one of Nan’s grandchildren I feel honoured to have been able to have
her in my life as long as I did. There
are so many memories and stories I could share.
One of my favourite will always be the day my brother and I tried to
bust mom. We had learned that Mom used
to stop on the way to church to buy treats with some of the money that was
supposed to be donated. When we went to
tell on her, Nan stopped us in our tracks when she admitted to doing the same
thing. We all laughed and joked about
this for the rest of the night. It lead
to a night of sharing stories which was often the case.
Nan was an amazing storyteller.
I loved listening to her stories, especially the ones from when she was
younger back in England and her experiences during the war. I think her love of stories is part of why I have
always wanted to create my own. Nan was
a big supporter of my writing and always told me how proud she was of it. Her support has always meant a great deal to
me, I’m just a little disappointed she won’t be around when I finally get
published. In her honour though I wanted
to do something special, I wanted to pay tribute to her with my words. When I sat down to write, a free verse poem
emerged. That is what I would like to
share with you all now.
I close my eyes and can see you clear as day
Coming out of your kitchen
Carefully carrying
tea and cookies to share
An apology always given for the quality or quantity
But we never cared
I close my eyes and can see you clear as day
Sitting in your rocking chair
Stories and conversations being shared
Sometimes old, sometimes new
Always told with flare
I close my eyes and can see you clear as day
Standing in your garden
Stray weeds snatched up and tossed away
Leaving room for your veggies and flowers to grow
Filling us with their colour
I close my eyes and can see you clear as day
Framed by curtains, looking out your window
Arm raised and sending us off
Full of love and joy of a night well spent
Waiting for us to return again
I close my eyes and clear as day
I see all the memories and images left behind
The hope and love you filled our lives with
A legacy of strength, independence and pride
Big shoes to fill until we meet again.
I love you Nan. My world is
forever changed for having you in it and having you leave it. I will strive to live up to the belief you
had in me and will cherish your memory always.
