Here I am, sliding into Poetry Friday right under the wire, but I simply couldn’t miss my favourite day of the week.
It’s been a bit of a bittersweet day here in Raincity. My grandmother passed away yesterday, at 97 years of age. I’m saddened, of course, but I’m actually more thankful than anything else. Grandma Joan was more than ready to pass on and join the many friends and relatives who had gone before her, including her husband. She had lived an extremely full life, filled to the brim with friends and activities and adventures. She was active pretty much right up until her death, with friends constantly coming and going and visiting. She passed away peacefully in her bed, without suffering. All in all, a good end to a good life. As she said in an article in the local newspaper, “Life is like the plot of a good book with many twists and turns. You never know what is around the corner.”
And so, in honour of my Grandma Joan, who lived the majority of her life in a small town in New Zealand, a much beloved Kiwi farewell song. After being separated by death for over thirty years, my grandparents are once again together.
Sunset glow fades in the west,
Night o’er the valley is creeping!
Birds cuddle down in their nest,
Soon all the world will be sleeping
And now is the hour when we must say goodbye,
Soon you’ll be sailing far across the sea,
While you’re away, o, then remember me,
When you return, you’ll find me waiting here
True lovers often must part,
Kiss me, then leave me to sorrow!
Here love, I give you my heart,
You will return some glad morrow
But now is the hour when we must say goodbye,
Soon you’ll be sailing far across the sea,
While you’re away, o, then remember me,
When you return, you’ll find me waiting here.
Heartwarming tribute to your grandma, Jane. I like her quote in the newspaper. You never know, do you? Here’s to well-loved, well-lived lives.
Thank you! She was such a character, it still feels a bit strange to think that she’s gone!
So glad you made it. I’m sorry you will be missing your Grandma. She sounds like a woman just full of stories. Be gentle with yourself as you lay her to rest. It’s a bittersweet time.
That’s such a perfect description of her, a woman full of stories. She loved to write, and I think I inherited my love of the written word from her.
What lovely words and poem about your grandmother–thanks for sharing her with us.
She was an absolute character, and she loved books and writing fiercely, so I think I can thank her for helping me become a librarian and a writer!
Jane, your tribute to your grandmother is so full of heart and love. Thinking of you as you celebrate her life and mourn her loss.
Thank you! She lived life with such energy, and was a real whirlwind of activity, always busy and always learning and trying new things. She truly was a force to be reckoned with!
Condolences to you and your family. What a beautiful song of farewell.
I grew up with this song, and whenever I hear it, I always think of New Zealand, and the tiny town my grandmother loved so much.
What a warm and uplifting tribute, Jane – keeping you and yours in thoughts and prayers. XO
Thank you Robyn, your kind words are much appreciated.
Jane, this is such a lovely tribute to your grandmother. I send my condolences to your family. When someone lives a robust life there is much to celebrate. I thank you for the farwell song, Now is the Hour. I am thinking of including it in a sympathy to a friend who just lost her husband.
What a lovely tribute to your grandmother. It sounds like she celebrated each day of life. I’m sure you will miss her. I’ll be thinking of you and your family.
Dear Jane, Grandma Joan was very proud of you and your book. She had a lovely photo of you at work with a blue puppet, blown up large on her pinboard in her room, so she could see you clearly before she lost all her sight. Love Rose xxx
Thank you so much, Rose, that means so very much. I’m sure I inherited my love of reading and writing from her!
What a wonderful song, celebrating a bygone era, so sweet. I’m sad for your loss, but I’m happy that you wrote this wonderful tribute.
Thank you, Brenda. Loss is never easy, but we can take great comfort in a life well lived.