Haven’t blogged for a while. Have quite a few in draft that haven’t as yet been finished so I thought I’d approach this entry like Marie Boran did a few months back after she found herself in the same predicament.
This one’s from the heart.
Christmas time is upon us again. serious food, presents, incredible expense (especially with three children), and overall a great craic (again especially with three young children as the ‘magic’ is still there).
With the likelihood of Santa bringing Guitar Hero:World Tour, a Pool Table, Surf boards and bikes, this Christmas holiday promises to be a fun one (if not a ‘wet cold one’ as I’m bound to find myself dragged to the beach to surf on either Christmas or St Stephen’s (Boxing) day.
However, this year will also be the first year in which I won’t be sending my Nan nor my Aunt Pam cards/presents.
Dorothea Whelband died on the 19th April 2008 after a short battle with a chest infection that quickly became Pneumonia. Fortunately, there was enough time for me to fly over and spend the last few days with her until she passed away. Those last few days, even though she was rarely lucid when we visited, I will cherish as she had had a fundamental part in my upbringing until I left home at 21. I still remember going around every Friday night, toasting marshmallows on the open fire and watching Startsky and Hutch. No, seriously…
Pamela McFadden, daughter of Dorothea and my father’s sister died a little over six weeks later after a long battle against Cancer. Here’s a life that has been cruelly taken away from us all far too prematurely and we’re all still a little shocked at how, in the end, it quickly came about. Again, I remember the majority of my childhood and holidays were spent either round her house or on camping trips with Pam, my uncle Charlie and my Cousins. Our families were close, given the proximity in age of my father and Pam and my childhood is filled with memories of us all enjoying life together.
Both women were fabulous examples of their generations and I truly believe the world is a little worse off without them right now.
When I started this post I really did not know what direction it was going to take. Should I create a Eulogy for two amazing women or simply pour out my feelings instead? I suppose in the end it’s none of these and serves to simply say that this year’s not been the easiest for anyone in our family. Everyone who knew Nana and Pam will know and remember just how amazing they were and trying to put these memories and praises into words would not do them justice.
However, time inevitably goes on and I will get up on Christmas morning to the sound of 3 children’s excited gasps and cheers as we walk into the living room to see what Santa’s left for us all. However in all of the happiness and joy that this time of year brings, it also brings reflection and I’ll also be taking a moment or two to consider the year that was and the loss that we’ve experienced.
My best wishes to you all this Christmas time and I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.