Saturday, February 26, 2011

Sad and Romantic

On Valentines day this year, Tim's Nanny went to be with Jesus. Eleven days later, at 2am on the morning of Nanny's funeral, her husband, Tim's Papa went to join them.

I think one day I will be able to look back and realise what a precious reality this is. And as the two coffins, side-by-side, travelled off away from the funeral, was a really beautiful thing. It is romantic and beautiful that we were able to say goodbye together. It is amazing that after nearly 60 years together they were only separated for such a short time. One day we will look back and be thankful.

But at the moment we are all just too sad for that.

Papa had cancer, and he was fighting on for Nanny's sake, but once he knew she was okay, he moved on to palliative care. Nanny died at home in the arms of her daughter. Papa died in a hospital room with Tim's Dad, his son, beside him.

Death is so sad, and Tim and I feel we have had enough of it for one summer!

But it is a good reminder of the shortness of life and what really matters.

I don't know how I'd like to go. Part of me thinks it would be lovely to leave with Tim, and I struggle to think of living without him. But then I look at Tim's Pa, the only Grandparent left, and I see something noble and special about him too. Living on after his wives death in November, rejoicing in the chance he still has to look after his daughters, even as they try to look after him.

Bye Nanny and Papa. We love you, and we are so glad you are with Jesus now.
love B

2 comments:

Allegro ma non troppo said...

You sure could use some good things happening this year! This post is sad and sweet.

Julie said...

Oh wow B! For somebody who is catching up on a few months' worth of your news in one sitting, it feels like one grief piled on top of another, on top of another, etc. And if it feels like this for me, I can barely imagine what it must feel like for you and Tim. I pray that you will continue to see God's goodness and love for you through the pain.
J xxx