Julie’s Story
Dear Nanna,
As I take the time to think about you I realize that you personified the stereotypical Nanna from my childhood storybooks. Although small in stature you were large in your love and care for your family and those blessed to be your friends. My memories of you Nanna are filled with perfect sponge cakes, endless cups of tea and relaxed conversation. Rarely seen outside your kitchen and without your signature, checked apron, you always seemed to be busy preparing for something. Whether it was baking a batch of scones for afternoon tea, a hearty casserole for dinner or preserving your homegrown fruit you seemed to be happiest bustling around in the comfort of your overheated kitchen.
The fragrance of lavender always reminds me of you. I remember the wonderful scent of the lavender bush that grew next to the gate in your backyard. The distinctive aroma would greet me each time I came to visit you. I still love lavender today and you are the reason why. Lavender is not the only smell that brings back fond memories of you. The unique blend of fragrant spices infused into your famous gramma (pumpkin) pie is something that I miss and have never been able to replicate in my own cooking.
Although you were undeniably skilled in the kitchen and had a green thumb that was the envy of many, what I appreciate most about you Nanna is that you were always there. You were the constant during my childhood that I relied on in a way that you probably never realised. It was comforting for me to know that Nanna was always home. Even if it was just a smile, a quick hello or a wave as I walked by your house every afternoon on my way home from school, it was reassuring to know that you were there and you loved me. You never had to say it – I just knew.
I also want to thank you Nanna for your commitment to serving God. You brought your children up to love and trust in God and your legacy of faith has continued in your grandchildren and great grandchildren. You were always so very proud of us and I know that if you could see us all now you would be the beautiful lady in heaven beaming with pride.
The world has changed a lot in the last 20 years Nanna. But even though life threatens to become increasingly complicated you are a reminder to me that the key to happiness is really quite simple – trust God, cherish your family and show love and kindness toward others. You are my role model in this Nanna and I know if I can do this anywhere near as well as you did, everything is going to turn out right in the end.
