It’s an emotional time in our house right now.
My beloved aunty, who has been like a second mum to me, is in her final weeks. She has been living with Alzheimer’s for quite a few years.
When my own mum passed away, I was pregnant with Freya. From that moment on, Ninnin (as my son Ethan named her) became Grandma to my children.
She never had children of her own. But she chose us. She wrapped us up and made us hers.
And what a gift that has been.
The Stories That Stay With Us
It’s funny how times like this bring memories flooding back.
Last week, I took Ethan to visit her. On the way home, he talked the whole journey. Story after story. Little moments that meant everything.
My favourite has to be the lost shoes.
Ninnin had taken the children for a picnic on the beach. Freya was only two or three. She was having the best time, burying everything in sight.
When it was time to go home, they realised something…
She had buried her shoes.
They searched and searched. But they were gone.
So Ninnin did what only Ninnin would do. She whisked them off to the shoe shop, bought new ones, and brought them home like nothing had happened.
That was her. Kind and always making things better.
Our Wednesday Adventures
Until last September, Wednesdays were our day.
My niece Asta and I would go and pick up Ninnin, and we’d head off on a little adventure. Most often, it was Barrow Park.
Those days were simple. And they were perfect.
We’d feed the ducks.
Smell the roses.
Play in the park.
The first time we went after Asta learned to walk, she marched straight into the kiosk and ordered herself a pink ice cream.
From that day on, ice cream became part of the tradition.
I still wonder… was that a spur-of-the-moment decision, or had she planned it all along?
The Little Things We’ll Never Forget
Every outing had its moments.
At some point, Ninnin would link arms with us and start singing,
“We’re off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz…”
Then she’d laugh and say,
“Eeeeh, I don’t know who’s the daftest.”
And not long after, we’d hear,
“Oh, I’m jiggered.”
That could mean she was tired. Or her back was hurting. But she always kept going. Always smiling.
On rainy days, we’d find a cosy café instead.
Hot chocolates all round.
And even now, that simple treat still feels special. A little piece of those days we can hold onto.
This Is What It’s All About
Right now, she is content. Peaceful.
And truly, that’s all you can ask for.
But moments like this do bring everything into focus.
At the end of the day, this is what life is about.
Not the big things. Not the busy days.
It’s the memories.
The ordinary days that turn out to be everything.
The ice creams.
The songs.
The lost shoes.
So make the time.
Have the treat days.
Say yes to the little adventures.
Because one day, those moments will mean more than you could ever imagine.
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