Bye Nan

Today is my Nan’s funeral, as the day slowly progresses towards 3pm I feel sadder and sadder. I needed some time alone and as I was staying at a mission house I decided to head to the church there, the pastor was very kind and gave me a little room all to myself so I could say my goodbyes to Nan.

As I was sat there I was going through all my memories of Nan – living next door to her, the terrible fringe she cut for me once, her love of bingo, hiding in the back of the car one time to surprise here when picking her up from bingo, pulling numbers out of a plastic pineapple for her pools lines, the lovely toast she made me, getting me watching home & away and neighbours, seeing old photos on the slide machine on rainy days, chocolate covered M&S marshmellows, doing the crossword puzzles in the sun newspaper, her not debating things with me as she said I always had an answer for anything, always being welcome in her house no matter what, her love of a good cup of tea and glass of wine on special occasions, and her stories from the war and being evacuated!

I feel so lucky to have had here in my life for 35 years – living next door and then later in the same courtyard meant I could come and go in her and Grandad’s lives as I wanted to. I remember all the times they looked after me in school holidays, and all the love and attention they gave to me. Hearing Nan was proud of me deciding to come to Nigeria was so lovely. I’m sad I wasn’t there in person to say goodbye but I know Nan would not have minded at all as long as I don’t forget about her! I will wear her ring with pride and will treasure the photo of Nan and Grandad on their wedding day which I always loved and remember seeing on the bureau table in their houses.

Goodbye Nan, I love you so much and will miss you. Keep an eye on me, keep me safe and give me a nudge in the right direction every now and again!! Be happy with Grandad and I hope what I do continues to make you feel proud of me xxxx