Steph had heard it too, as did one of the dogs who stirred, thinking it was one of us coming home. We have a "code" between us in that when one of us is at home, the other lets the home phone ring a couple of times then hangs up, so that the one at home knows to open the garage door to drive in easily rather than having to go through the rigmarole of opening the door by yourself.
As it turns out, it was just after 6am when the phone had rang, but the sun only comes up around 8am in Cape Town in winter, the reason I thought it was still the wee hours. Anyway...
After letting the dogs out, Steph came back through to the bedroom and touched my shoulder gently. It was your sister, she said. Then more softly, your gran passed away last night.
Strangely enough, that was the second thought that had come immediately to mind. No-one calls in the middle of the night, unless it's a prankster, or bad news.
Nana, as she was affectionately known to the family, had had an aneurysm in her stomach and been rushed to hospital sometime last night. Apparently the doctor had said that she could be operated on, but due to her age may not come out of the anesthetic. My aunt Christine, closest to Nana from the family had said that maybe it's not a good idea, to which the doctor said that she should then gather the family around to come and pay last respects then as Nana may only have a couple of hours left.
According to my sister, Nana had a last drink of her favourite tipple, Balvennie single malt scotch, was given some morphine for the pain and slipped away quietly in her sleep.
Nana had recently celebrated her 90th birthday and had lived a long, fruitful, colourful life.
Needless to say, following what she had said about not seeing my father (her eldest child) again on this earth, he is pretty upset but, as usual, is putting on a brave face.
Go in peace, Nana Douglas. I'm sure there's lots of Balvennie in heaven cos the angels always take their share from the casks and I know they'll share it with you.
5 comments:
It's times like this I wish I lived closer to you guys :o(
Nana was a lovely soul and will be greatly missed.
Hope you're all okay.
Love, Always xoxox
thinking of you all at this sad time
x
Rest in peace Nana - and know that you are in the prayers of all those that loved you.
Salagatle!
Quite sad, sorry boet. The only good thing, it was a good innings to 90!!!
What a beautiful post to commemorate a wonderful person.
Anne-Marie
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