Tweet
I live a very busy life - full time teaching, full time study (Masters final draft due on the 20th and final submission by mid October). I am finding I tear up even when typing this.
A little over a month ago, I got word that a lady that has been a major influence in my life was gravely ill, my grandmother. She had been sick for a while, but when we found out that she had terminal cancer, it gutted us. However, Grandma was strong in faith, left in peace and dignity - I do get some solace in this.
She was told she had cancer on a Friday, told that afternoon that it was terminal, and left us on early Monday morning. I remember, I was between classes when I was told - heavens knows how I got through teaching the rest of that day and on the Tuesday.
I flew down to where the family lives on the Wednesday, and went to the funeral on Thursday.
It was a beautiful service at her church (Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), so many people were there, I got up and spoke my thanks for her and her strong will. I read a poem my cousin wrote in dedication to her.
Her children spoke of her kindness and gentle hand and how she was the love of my frail grandfather's life for over 65 years. Her eldest daughter, my dear mum struggled but read a verse that Grandma held dear.
So many people, from Grandma's 35 years as a teacher, from her church, from her volunteer work - from a life well lived spoke of this lovely lady who never got angry and never had a negative word for anyone.
But for me, she was and still is my inspiration to follow the path I have for 11 years in 2 countries - teaching. She inspired me to be a volunteer. She was my first teacher, inspiring my love for literature, science and music.
She knew where I was going, even if at times I forgot and got lost from my path.
The last few years have been a bit tough on us, over a dozen loved ones have gone - I know many have gone through worse, but knowing that does not make the pain any easier to bare.
A month and a bit has passed, and I still tear up, still can't believe she is gone.
A little over a month ago, I got word that a lady that has been a major influence in my life was gravely ill, my grandmother. She had been sick for a while, but when we found out that she had terminal cancer, it gutted us. However, Grandma was strong in faith, left in peace and dignity - I do get some solace in this.
She was told she had cancer on a Friday, told that afternoon that it was terminal, and left us on early Monday morning. I remember, I was between classes when I was told - heavens knows how I got through teaching the rest of that day and on the Tuesday.
I flew down to where the family lives on the Wednesday, and went to the funeral on Thursday.
It was a beautiful service at her church (Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), so many people were there, I got up and spoke my thanks for her and her strong will. I read a poem my cousin wrote in dedication to her.
Her children spoke of her kindness and gentle hand and how she was the love of my frail grandfather's life for over 65 years. Her eldest daughter, my dear mum struggled but read a verse that Grandma held dear.
So many people, from Grandma's 35 years as a teacher, from her church, from her volunteer work - from a life well lived spoke of this lovely lady who never got angry and never had a negative word for anyone.
But for me, she was and still is my inspiration to follow the path I have for 11 years in 2 countries - teaching. She inspired me to be a volunteer. She was my first teacher, inspiring my love for literature, science and music.
She knew where I was going, even if at times I forgot and got lost from my path.
The last few years have been a bit tough on us, over a dozen loved ones have gone - I know many have gone through worse, but knowing that does not make the pain any easier to bare.
A month and a bit has passed, and I still tear up, still can't believe she is gone.
Comment