Mavis

Yesterday November 24th around 8.00 a.m. Nana Mavis passed away. I try to console myself with the fact that she is now at peace. I am so glad I had the chance to see her in October and spend some time with her but I never had the courage to say a proper goodbye even though I knew it would only be a matter of weeks before she was gone from our lives.
How does one handle the imminent demise of a loved one? It seemed too indelicate to say "before you go I need to tell you something" Plus with chica 2 in the room I was wary of upsetting her. I think I was afraid to grab and hug her too tight as she looked so frail and I did not care to admit aloud that this was the last goodbye.
Are there any books on "death ettiquette"? Even if there are I doubt I could have followed any instructions that made me do something I was not comfortable with. Instead we chatted as if this were a visit like any other. Family passing time over a cup of tea.
I do feel assured that throughout the years I have shown Mavis what she means to me. In this day and age of technology she was one of the few people I still wrote letters to. I feel this in its self is a statement of caring and taking time to connect.
Mavis entered the arena during a very emotional and traumatic period of our young loves and showed unfaltering compassion. I will remember her for her old fashioned but comforting, kind and caring approach to everyone. Through the years we have shared many milestones and celebrations and always with a cake on the table. This is her legacy to me all the recipes we exchanged and comfort food. I wish I could rustle up one of her cakes or pies now to give comfort to those of us who mourn her passing.
When I look back over the years of knowing her I see she had a good life. Mavis worked in a job she enjoyed and felt challenged by,travelled the world, wined and dined and retired to an area of England where she could follow her favourite pastimes. She was married for 59 years. I doubt the future will hold many couples who be able to claim that amount of dedication. Her foremost concern was always that we were all happy and well fed! I admired her strength and I think that is was what she admired in me even though we are strong in a varied ways. Mavis you always made me feel good about myself with a small but empowering compliment.
Chica 1 will take my place at the funeral as I can't be there. This is my fond farewell to you. As we always communicated via letter occasionally by phone I hope that some how this will convey to you where ever you are, that you are loved. Peace be with you....