To a Beautiful Lady

Death is one of those things that can creep up on us when we are living a life well lived. It is something that is inevitable for us all and when it comes it whirls around like the wind, pulls us up and down and when all is said and done leaves a rippling effect on the lives around us. Last week my beloved grandmother passed away at the full age of 80 years. The family had travelled down to Tuncurry-Foster in NSW to celebrate her 80^th back in July and I had had the priviledge of documenting those moments for her.

Little did I know what was coming around the corner – some three months later – and the importance these moments captured would be for our whole entire family.

My grandmother – Shirley Nicholson – was a loving, kind and gorgeous lady. She made us call her ‘Mardi’ instead of grandma because she thought she was too young to be called grandma – I liked her style! :o)

I especially remember when my younger brother and I were little and we would go to Mardi’s for the summer vacation. We would pull up in the driveway – knowing full well the lavish kisses and rubbings our poor cheeks were about to be subjected to. As we opened our car doors and exited our vehicle we could hear her coming – running up the path, arms wide open – lips puckered and ready, fingers pincing at the air. It was like a slow motion moment in a movie – the door swings open, our feet hit the around, slam the doors shut, turn our heads to see Mardi running towards us. Me, however, being a little bit older than my brother, I would grab him – push him toward the oncoming affection machine that was my Mardi and run the other way! Andrew (my brother) screaming “nooooooooooo” whilst he lands into her arms and is proceeded to be given all the kisses and cuddles that had escaped him for the year whist we were away. It was a moment us kids would be like “oh no not again’ but a moment that really defines – in my mind – a truly loving and beautiful woman.

As I sat at the funeral, tears streaming down my face, I stilled my heart which had been pounding a billion miles a second and took a moment to look around the church. It was filled with a mass amount of people of all ages. She had made such an impact on those around about her – imprinting them with her love, devotion and humour. It was a beautiful thing to see.

The most amazing thing my grandmother has taught me – not through words but actions – is that you should live your life to the fullest, cherish every moment, tell your loved ones how much you love them daily and show it through your actions.

I did not want this to be a sad post but rather one that rejoices this amazing, courageous, strong and beautiful woman – who will live on in the hearts of everyone who encountered her.

(My Dad with Mardi)