Grannie

Edith Mary Hosegood (Nee Gliddon) 2nd November 1911 to 5th February 2009

On Sunday the 31st of January A, T and I leapt on a train at an hour and a half's notice - thanks Matty - and endured a slow journey speeding through a beautiful Scotland and England. Sunshine, snow, sunset, darkness, Dad picking us up.

Grannie was still alive, breathing strongly and loudly.
M had wondered if we would arrive in time.
And so began a very special, very difficult week. M sat with Grannie each day, I gave her the odd rest. A came and drew on the floor. Grannie spoke with effort. Friends and family names, her music - LRAM and oddly many times her last word magpie. Why? The black and white light fitting. Swallows were special to her and Grandpa. She breathed. We dripped tea into her mouth. M and I walked back up the lane looking at the stars.

Grannie took her last breath with M sitting with her, I was walking along the corridor to her room in Westerley.

Preparation and funeral. Old photos. Margaret Morris. Hedley Price. Family.
Hammamelis 'Pallida' from the garden on her coffin with hazel catkins waggling and cheerie daffodils. Snowdrop bunches for Great Grandchildren.
Emily sang, low and beautiful.
Fun times for the Great Grandchildren.

Not tragic but very, very sad. She's gone, I'll never speak to her again. How can she not be here when I have such clear pictures in my mind?