This morning, as I popped down to Fremantle, I drove along soaking in all the beauty of a sunny autumn sky, mentally taking notes about what I was planning to post today. Instead, I've returned home and sat here at my computer to compose a whole different set of words instead.
My visit to Fremantle was to visit my poor Nanna in hospital (Dad's Mum). Last Tuesday night, she had a fall which left her with a broken hip and after a three day wait for an operation which frustratingly kept being postponed, she is now slowly recovering from her surgery.
I made my way up to her room and found her drifting in and out of sleep. I held her hand and stroked her wrinkled cheek. Her skin was paper thin and she seemed so much older than usual (although at almost 92 years of age, I'm not sure quite how possible that is actually). Her usual spritely smile and greeting were only half there. Chatting was difficult for her, but we managed a little bit of conversation as I tried my hardest to be cheery. Phrases were repeated over and over and she seemed very confused.
She did manage a little joke though, and that made my heart very happy indeed.
And when I could see that she was having trouble keeping her eyes open, I kissed her forehead, told her I loved her and let her rest, walking back to my car with tear filled eyes and thinking about how horrible it is that old age sees people in such a state.
A natural part of life I know, but a sad one nonetheless...
The photo above of Nanna and I was taken on my fourth birthday, when I was almost the same age as Grace is now.
I hope they look after her well and she feels better very soon. I am sure she will adore a note from you.
ReplyDeleteGosh Grace is so much like you isn't she? I'm sure your lovely Granny enjoyed your visit. A broken hip is certainly a trial. Wishing her health and a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteThere's a lump in my throat after reading this lovely Post. Enjoy as much time as you can with your beautiful Granny - I miss mine so much x
ReplyDeleteOh Amanda it is so hard to see your Grandparents get old, I can see it each time I visit my Nan this is happening too. I imagine your Nana would have appreciated you coming to visit her and I hope that she feels better soon. Hugs to you. xx
ReplyDeleteHeartbreaking. You are blessed to know her. My grandparents died when I was young. What I wouldn't have given to know them as an adult, to share my children with them. I am sure your Nanna would have cherished her time with you. Very special. A-M xx
ReplyDeleteSending you much love, lovely Amanda. It is so hard seeing people we love suffering with ageing. If only it wasn't the way. xxx
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful post...not having any family here in perth i miss them all so much and would do anything to be able to visit and have them visit. i love that you are so close with your nanna and it makes me smile to think of her looking forward to your visits. i wish her a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteMy Grandpa is 96 and this brought me to tears. Wishing your Nanna all the best for a speedy recovery. x
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard. I hate watching people get older. I lost my last 'great' relative in my dear Auntie Ila. Seeing her before she passed made me sad and made me wonder if she was happy how her life went.
ReplyDeleteHonestly I think people are lying if they say things get better with age. I just don't think there's much fun about it.
Hugs for you and your nan xx
Hi - I always feel so sad for old people because they don't feel old inside and yet their bodies just won't keep up with the things they still want to do. I feel they are often pushed aside in society and not treated with dignity. A number of my relatives were very lucky and lived to over 100 and were active and fit until the last weeks of their lives but so often this is not the case. I hope your Nanna is back on her feet soon. The anaesthetic has probably taken it out of her. My parents are in their mid seventies now and I am dreading them becoming frail. Lily. xxx
ReplyDeleteHospitals are a sad and humble place I have spent some time there lately with sick friends and family and it really puts life into perspective doesnt it. Im sorry your Nanna is not well we need to make the most of these special moments together xx
ReplyDeleteIts posts like this that you do that are so natural and wholesome which I really relate to and thats why I have added you to my list of blogs that rock my world - you can check it out here http://jarrahjungle.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/blogs-that-rock-and-why.html See you in class x
Amanda my eyes are welling with tears. My nanna was very dear to me & seeing her get older & frail was difficult at times. It has only been two years since her passing & I miss her. She was such a big part of my life offering unconditional love , beautiful home cooked food , crocheting & craft days , walks in the bush picking wildflowers & wonderful little surprises often.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I knew are relationship was special I didnt know just how much a impact it had on me until I had my own children & wanted them to experience the love & care of grandparents. Alas in this modern world my children arent fortunate enough to have this. It used to make me sad for them , but now I take on everything nanna taught me & pass this on to them.
I love the photo of you & you both . Im sending wishes for your nanna to recover soon , as we get older it takes more time to heal. She would of been comforted just with your presence.
So sorry to hear your Nanna isn't well, Amanda. Sometimes old age is heartbreaking, yes. But your visit would have done more than you can imagine to lift her spirits. You are a lovely person x
ReplyDeleteAwww Amanda.... sending big hugs to you. How emotional... My Nanna was 94 last month. I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful relationship with her just as you share with your Nanna. What a beautiful photo of you together! I hope she recovers quickly. Lots of love xx
ReplyDeleteThank you all so very much for your kind words. I really appreciated them xx
ReplyDeleteOh Amanda, you darling girl. I really feel for you. You've brought memories rushing back for me. Sending you a huge hug, Gorgeous. J x
ReplyDeleteOh Amanda, I only just caught up on this post {5 days later} SORRY!
ReplyDeleteAging does really suck. I know it's a part of life, but watching our loved ones deteriorate is torturous.
Sending lots of love your way. And to your Nanna! 92...wow....amazing! She would've appreciated your visit. Your presence alone, would've made her heart happy!
xx
Your poor Nanna Amanda. I hope you and she are both feeling a little more spritely this week! Take care.
ReplyDeleteAmanda x