21 August 2010

Feasts ad farewells

It's the village feast of where the Mr. is from, so we have been out amid the festivities of St. Helena in Birkirkara (as also seen last year). Band marches, endless fire works, music and great enthusiasm (even with the thick humid heat).
Alice T. Winfield
My mind is not here though, we received news that my grandmother passed away suddenly, and without having the chance to say good by or to speak to her one last  time makes my heart feel like lead. These are the moments when living so far from family and old friends is difficult. It had been a year and a half since last I saw her. To be fair she was 97 years old. Until the day she died she was still reading the New York Times, a lady who wore berets tipped to one side in the winter time, could argue with the best of them about any given topic, loved to travel (and did a fair amount- from Kathmandu to Cuba). She was an optimist who was always willing to have a conversation with a stranger, a curious, tennis playing gal, my hero.  The woman who taught me to play cards, to swim in the sea, to iron a shirt and to drink afternoon tea. We share the same feet, hands and eyes.  
The world feels slightly duller with her not in it. 
 I will be taking a few days leave from the blog.  

20 comments:

  1. So sorry to hear this Juniper. She sounds like a wonderful lady that lead a full and vibrant life. I pray God will comfort you during this sad time.

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  2. Sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.
    D

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  3. So Sorry for you and your families loss.
    She sounds like she was a great woman.
    You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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  4. Oh Juniper, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your Grandmother... She sounds like the lady I aspire to be now and in my 90's. You are very lucky to have had such a wonderful person in your life to show you the way... love that you will remember her through memories, and also in your feet, hands and eyes. So beautiful...
    Take care, take your time, big big hugs... xo

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  5. Thank you all for your kind thoughts. Grandparents do play sometimes such important roles, and with them come unexpected bonds.

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  6. You were always in her heart, as she is in yours-even after her passing. Heartfelt hug across the ocean-figurative and real.

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  7. Oh, Juniper, I am so sorry about your grandmother's passing. From your description I can tell she was a treasure. I love that you mention her curiosity. Curious people are the very best kind. Sending you healing wishes.

    All best,
    Gigi

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  8. Thank you Gigi, she was a treasure and yes she was always curious about people and places she encountered. I think it kept her connected to the present and helped make for a long and interesting life.

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  9. I'm so very sorry to hear, Juniper
    All my love to you.
    Wish you well.
    xxxxxx

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  10. I am so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful, funny and fesity lady and I think I would have liked her very much!

    Be kind to yourself

    C x

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  11. I'm so sorry for your loss. You describe her beautifully and with such love and admiration. I am sure she is very proud of you. My condolences x

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  12. As you know, and I hope you can feel, our hearts are with you and your family.

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  13. So sorry... Thinking of you and sending you lots of kisses and hugs!

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  14. So sorry to hear of your loss Juniper. My thoughts are with you. What a wonderful age she reached.

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  15. I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts, Juniper. What a lovely woman your grandmother was!

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  16. I'm praying for you and for your family. What a wonderful woman!

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  17. i'm so sorry to hear of your loss. from the sound of it, your grandmother lived a very full life -- hopefully thinking of that will bring some small comfort in the days ahead.

    xo

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  18. I am sorry Juniper. A sad and difficult time to live... I lost my grand-mother 4 months ago.
    One friend say to me that my grand-mother left her old body but her mind is still there and that i still could speak with her, she is there. That helped me.

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  19. Oh dear, Juniper, there is nothing to heal the wound of losing a loved one when you were not by their side. I know this from personal experience. One can only do one's best to honor that person's life in thought and heart. Wishing you peace.

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  20. Of life and death ! I'm sorry for your loss.

    Big hug...

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