Dear Nanny on her own
I’m not sure why I ever called you that, I think it was because mum’s parents were nanny and grandad and you were by yourself, although according to dad, you were better off that way anyway, because the grandad that I never knew was a bit like his name a ‘Wally’!
Yesterday would have been your 100th birthday, we had talked when I was younger about you getting a letter from the Queen one day and I thought you would probably knit her a jumper or a fluffy cardigan, like you used to do for me, but it wasn’t to be.
I still remember so vividly, dad getting the call that you had been taken to hospital, you had a stroke and you had fallen in all places, the bathroom! I still remember walking into that hospital room and seeing you lying there all battered and bruised, from the fall, your face was a deep shade of purple and you didn’t look much like nan, dad, uncle steve and I were taken into the doctors office and they explained that it was touch and go whether you would even survive the night, that 24 hours was one of the longest days of my life, but you pulled through, always were tough as old boots! In fact you continued to fight for another four months, we brought you home for Christmas Day, it was to be the last one I would spend with you, in February 1996, a month before your 80th birthday we said goodbye.
Twenty years later I still think about you every single day, I am so sad that you never got to meet my husband or any of my children, you were always there for me with a slice of bread pudding or an extra strong mint in your little tin, that I would have to break in half because they were too minty!
I still remember the wonderful loopy cardigans you made for Karen and I, always matching ( they are very fashionable now), how you taught me to knit, I can still only manage a scarf! The jewellery that you used to make for the little old ladies at the OAP club, the endless supply of Jaffa Oranges, you always used to be peeling one! The amazing costumes you made me for Fancy Dress parties and school plays
I think fondly of you cheating at Pig Pong, blowing the ball instead of using the pigs to puff it, and then rushing off to the loo with a weak bladder, you were loudest snorer I have ever known, I remember picking straws with my sister who got you staying in their room when you slept over!
The budgie that we got you to keep you company was the most vicious animal I have ever known.
If you are watching down over me, I love you and miss you so so much, I still have your vast thimble collection and the brush, comb and mirror set that always sat so majestically on your dresser, the glass trinket boxes are safely tucked away from little boys hands.
HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY NAN xxx
What a lovely post and happy 100th birthday to your nanny who I’m sure is looking down on you very proudly x
What a fantastic tribute – Your Nan sounds like a incredible woman. Raise a glass to her tonight!
A lovely post my granny always had extra strongs mint in a little tin, thank you for reminding me.
Aw this is a lovely post! Happy 100th Birthday to your nanny, I’m sure she is looking down on you x
Awww this is such a beautiful tribute to her 100th birthday! x
sorry for your loss, I KNOW THAT PAIN, BUT IT’S GREAT TO REMEMBER THE HAPPY TIMES AND ALL THE JOY PEOPLE BROUGHT INTO YOURS AND OTHERS LIVES. X
aw what a beautiful post and I am very sure she’s with you still every day
What a lovely post! I have actually schedueled a similar kind of post about remembering my great nain.. to be posted on 14th march! it’s so sad isn’t it. I am sure she is with all the time.
The best way to remember loved ones is the fun memories that you made together. It’s nice to see you had some lovely ones there.
Such a lovely post, I always think of my Nanna getting a letter for her 100th birthday ::)
I’m sure yours is with you each and every day.
This is such a sweet letter. I love that you have so many fond memories of your time together.
Aww what a lovely letter to someone that was very special to you x
This is such a sweet letter. Memories are all we have at the end of the day. Good you have yours.
What a lovely post – she sounds like she was a lovely lady and someone so so special to you.
Oh wow this is such a lovely post. Your nanny sounds like a very special person xxx
Aww what a heart breaking post! So glad you had such a great relationship with your gran though, treasure that.
What a lovely post! I’m sure your nanny is watching down over you and happy celebrating her 100th! It is lovely that you had such a great relationship with her 🙂
Aww so beautiful , you have some lovely memories of your nan. Happy 100th birthday to her where ever she is looking down on you.
What a lovely post, it seems like you have some really fond memories of your nan. Happy 100th birthday to her 🙂 xxx
What a lovely way of remembering a special lady she would be looking down and smiling when reading this
Happy 100th birthday
Memories last forever xx
I want to be one of those grandparents that make a positive lasting impact on my grandchildren.
I like you have amazing memories of my paternal grandparents and how much love they gave me.
The baths in the bath in front of the fire in the living room, the outside toilet, the games of pick up sticks, growing fruit in the garden, and cooking with it when it was ripe.
Happy 100th.