I would like to congratulate you on conquering your one greatest fears- death.
I'm told that you went like a real lady, I wish I could have been there for you.
For me I feel like the world has lost something unique and a great event that will never happen again has ended.
When someone dies those left behind gather up all the memories they can and hold onto them.
I would like to share my memories:
There were times of stress: You let me sleep on the floor of your tiny one bedroom flat for two months when I had no where to go. There was the day I got so sick I could hardly breath. You spent £12 of your own money (which is a lot for a pensioner) to take a taxi to the doctors. You held my hand all the way there and refused to leave until they had checked every inch of me.
There was the bizarre: Your very FRANK conversations about the 'facts of life' were rather shocking at first!. One thing is for sure you were NEVER afraid to speak your mind. I shall also miss your tendency to burst into song in the middle of a serious conversation or suddenly jump up and do a random dance!
Then there are the fabulous and magical memories which I will always hold very close to my heart: Our nights out at the theatre and shopping sprees. Dinner parties for two (where you tended to drink a shocking amount wine). I will treasure all those talks we had deep into the night. I was glad to have found a kindred night owl in you...someone to go to bed with at 5am and sleep until 2pm.
Despite your eternal outspokeness your heart was still an ocean of secrets that I always hoped you would one day make peace with. When I think of you I think of that poem by Robert Frost, "The road less travelled".
You knew me during the one happiest periods of my life. You made London come alive for me, fill of vibrant colours and magic. Every street corner had a story.
I must confess that I feel very alone knowing you are no longer part of this world. But I am grateful to God for our friendship and our time together. I will walk with your love in my heart, your wisdom in my hands and your grace in my step for the rest of my life.
Thank you for always being you (without fail!), for your friendship and for loving me so unconditionally with all your heart.
I shall now go out and get myself a fabulous pair of red heels in honour of you!
All my love Auntie Mave,
Stephanie
Mavis Winifred Knoesen
1932 - 2012
What a beautiful tribute to a faery godmother who came into your life at just the right time. I bet Mave is smiling all the way thinking about your red shoes : )
ReplyDeleteOh, I miss her so much! There will never be another like her again...she was so eccentric and unique. She was my Grandmother's 1st cousin, making her my 3rd cousin. But I guess I could call her a faery godmother and one of my best friends. Thanks Wendy x
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. You captured the joy and pain we feel when someone we love leaves us for a better place. I love this, " I will walk with your love in my heart, your wisdom in my hands and your grace in my step for the rest of my life."
ReplyDeleteShe will never be gone because she is a part of you. Thank you for reminding me of my dear grandma through this post.
What a lovely post. "The Road Less Traveled" is a baeautiful, meaningful poem to me too. I am sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jen, she's one gal I'll never be able to replace!
ReplyDeleteStephi: You are the recipient of an I Choose to Live Award. To get a copy of the award for your blog and to read the write-up go to: http://www.suicidalnomore.com/p/i-choose-to-live-awards.html and scroll down to the new award recipients for 2012. :)
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks so much! It's a HUGE honor :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Stephi! Huge grin when I read this,
ReplyDelete"I shall also miss your tendency to burst into song in the middle of a serious conversation or suddenly jump up and do a random dance!"
@ Miss Running: Yep it was pretty flipping hilarious...we'd be talking about the weather or the bus schedule and next thing....tra- la- laaaaa!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you are back Miss Running! I've missed you!. Will be back to blogging as soon as I get get settled into my new life! :)
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