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