Sunday 3 July 2011

Darling wee aunt

My wee darling aunt passed away yesterday. I didn't think I'd be able to get up north last week and it was such a gift that I got to see her and kiss her and hold her hand again. She had strong notions of heaven - she was brought up Catholic and loved the campness and pomp and ceremony of it all. I hope in her heaven there are tomato sandwiches (her favourite) and Scottish pipe bands (she loved dancing) and policemen (she loved men in uniform) and giant packets of felt pens (she was a dabhand at colouring in, never going over the lines) and most of all, her beloved mum and dad. All of us - her cynical/agnostic/atheist family - so very touched to see her rosary beads wrapped round her wee hand - placed there by my uncle, I think - as she lay in hospital these last six days. She inspired the character Brian in my book and I love that some of her quirks are in those pages forever. So, goodbye, my darling wee aunt. I hope you are peaceful now. If I can be half the auntie you were, I will be doing just fine.

(I would like to add that her care this last week was exquisite and sensitive, all thanks to our wonderful NHS.)

11 comments:

Alison said...

I'm sorry for your loss. You've described a wonderful heaven for her. I would go there! I think about your character Brian from time to time, because it's possible that some day soon my boyfriend will be taking care of both me and his severely autistic brother who is my age. When I think about it, that's where my mind goes.

Caroline said...

A beautiful tribute. I've loved reading updates about your aunt over the years and feel that I know her a little. Love to you and your family x

greenwords said...

This is such a beautiful and moving post, I loved reading about your darling aunt's gorgeous idiosyncrasies. I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family. xx

Nina said...

So sorry you lost your aunt, Nasim!

I'm sure she would love this very sweet tribute to her.

All the best to you and your loved ones.

Cusp said...

So sad wee aunt has passed. She was such an important part of your life, your family's life and contributed so much in her own special way. I hope too that she's enjoying a beautiful new life back with Mum and Dad and all the tomato sandwiches she could ever want.

Thinking of you xxx

em said...

sorry for your loss, glad you got to see her. x

sylvieromy said...

I'm so sorry for your loss Nasim x

nmj said...

Thank you kindly, everyone, for your thoughts. Without wishing to appear mawkish I think we could all do with a Brian character in our families. In my book acknowledgements, I thank my wee aunt for 'showing me a different way'. x

Amy said...

So sorry for your loss, Nasim. As others have said, your love for your wee aunt has been evident through the blog (and book) for a long time now.

You were lucky to have her to show you "a different way", and she was lucky to have you - undoubtedly a wonderful, loving niece.x

Susannah said...

I'm so sorry Nasim! I know how much you loved your aunt. I'm thinking of you.

Susannah xxxx

Mim said...

Nasim--You do you aunt justice: your list of her likes. I'm sorry for your loss.