My dear mother passed away last year, in her mid eighties. I emigrated to Australia in the 1970s, bringing with me my twin 8 month old babies, (which broke my mother's heart).
Our intention was to stay in Australia for two years, during which time my hubby would "make his millions", and we would then return to Wales, and to mum. Of course, neither intention came to fruition, and, as with so many of us from "the old dart", we decided to stay in this wonderful land.
The tyranny of distance was overcome with regular visits between Wales and Australia and Australia and Wales - at least once every two years, we managed to get together with Mum.
So I come to my point...maintaining connections are always possible, and I have attached my son's beautiful eulogy for Mum's funeral service. He has managed to capture the essence of his grandmother, even though his physical contact with her over the last 38 years could not have exceeded more than six months in total
Many regards
Jan
Dearest Grandma
As your favourite and most handsome grandson I feel it is incumbent upon me to let this fine congregation know what a wonderful influence you have been on me and my family.
As you are aware in the early 70’s I was whisked away to the colonies with my immediate family far away from the beautiful rolling hills of the old Country and your considerable charming influence.
Well, I ‘m pleased to report that despite the tyranny of distance and the fact that our encounters have been relatively infrequent over the last 37 years your influence still runs deep.
I recall vividly when you came to Australia when I was around 18 and being struck by your presence. Whilst you were diminutive in stature you had a straight forwardness, unbridled enthusiasm and openness of heart that was wonderfully invigorating. I still remember you marvelling at my surfboard and proclaiming “i cant believe my grandson is a Surfer - That’s brilliant that is” Well I was too full of teenage angst at the time to admit it Grandma but I’ve more chance of playing Rugby for the Wallabies than I have of standing up on a surfboard. Needless to say, your enthusiasm for me being a surfer has never really left me and despite several near drownings and some good natured taunting from my wife, L, I’m still living the dream.
One of the things I will always love most about you Grandma is your sense of humour. That same sense of humour has been passed on to my Mum and she on to me and my sister. Its an exuberant sense of irreverence, a finger in the eye to shallowness and ego.
I remember how much you used to like to sing after a bit of a tipple and whilst I didn’t understand the words to many of your Welsh songs I always knew they were from the heart . Your good natured humour meant you were able to take things in your stride - literally in fact!
Like the time when you were coming out to Australia, had a stopover in Singapore (or somewhere like that) and ended up getting caught up in a tour group for invalid and disabled body persons. But did you panic? No. Instead- you pretended to have a limp and enjoyed the rest of the tour
-Brilliant!
So Grandma, hats off to you. You’re wonderful. Thank you for being you and whilst I can’t be there in person you will always be in my heart. I’m sure there is room full of people here today who feel the same way as I do when I say your’s is a life that was golden and yours is a spirit that will shine forever
I love you
Your surfing grandson
M xx
PS: Please keep me a seat at the canasta table in Heaven next to you. We have some catching up to do.
