about me

My photo
Married to Nick for 13 years, with 2 children; Sabrina - 12 and Dominic - 11. I am a girlfriend through and through in that I love girly things and anything that celebrates the essence of being a woman. I love vintage, shabby chic, the country and try my best to do my bit for the environment. SO yes...we have 3 bins in our house and try our best to recycle! I believe that with everything in life, the closer we stick to nature, the better off we'll be. I would love to have a balance in life, but have learnt that balance is not always possible, so strive for significance instead, in the hopes that that will be just as meaningful, and the rest will hopefully follow.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

In the blink of an eye........

Life as we know it really can change in a split second, which is the time it can take to change the course of your life, or your week, or your day, and send you on a tangent totally unplanned for, or unexpected.

And so it was that we woke up on Sunday, and shortly thereafter were called with news that my husbands Mum had passed away, very unexpectedly. In perfect health, excited at the thought that our children would be spending the following day with her, she left this world happy and content, having lived a full life, exactly according to the way Frank Sinatra sang it in his song, “I did it my Way”.

Mom you had a full life - one that was filled with experiences that would be the envy of many. You have blessed so many, you’ve met along your journey of life, and in return, you yourself have been blessed, with health, wealth in the true sense of the word, a long and meaningful marriage, a loving close-knit family (of Greeks, all of whom are either called Nick, Costa or Maria!) and your children and grandchildren. And whilst you were different for sure, you stayed true to who and what you wanted to be, right to the very end of your life. I will always remember your wisdom, your ‘can do’ attitude (even when you couldn’t OR SHOULDN’T), your love and affection for those who meant a lot to you, the way you lived for us, your family, your elegance, and last but certainly not least, your incredible Greek cooking!

A photo I took of the last Khourambides you baked, which we finished on Sunday evening, sadly knowing that we would never experience them the way you bake them, ever again. They were delicious as always, and we really savoured every mouthful this time...
One never knows the extent of the void someone will leave in your life, when they are no longer in it….and I'm sure we all hope that when that time comes there will be no regrets, but I think if we’re honest with ourselves, there are so few of us that have said and done everything we really want to, to those that we love and cherish. Having regrets will just leave you regretting the time spent regretting, so why bother? Celebrating someone’s life is the best way to honour their legacy (and of course maybe doing a double page spread (with mini album!) of their life and what they meant in yours!). I have always shared a special bond with my Grandmother, and at a time like this I am reminded of one or two conversations we've shared where, besides all the laughter we have openly spoken about the impact we have had on one another’s lives, what we mean to each other, and how we have enriched one another’s lives. And for this I am truly, truly grateful. I can only hope that over time I take the opportunities to make this true, for everyone else that has been a blessing in my life....

6 comments:

  1. Life truly can change in the blink of an eye... I know this all too well. This happened to me about ten years ago when i was in a vehicle accident.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Things like this, can certainly change a person's life.

    What a lovely tribute you have written about your mom-in-law.

    I would like to tell you that you have made a big impact on my life. I love the way you write - from the heart - and it gives me inspiration with lots of the things that you write about. I have always felt a very positive aura about you, from the time I first met you at one of your business breakfasts at the Elangeni. Thank you for being such an inspiration to me.

    ReplyDelete
  3. A lovely tribute to a wonderful, often misunderstood, loving wman.

    Durban will be, if nothing else, a little less interesting without her in it.

    My thoughts are with all those who knew her, loved her and will miss her.

    JJ

    ReplyDelete
  4. My friend, I was so sorry to hear about your loss, Addie would have been so proud of her daughter-in-law had she read your post. lots of love.

    ReplyDelete
  5. gf, what can I say, again I so wish I was there with you as yet another monumental life experience has happened....all I can do is tell you I am with you in spirit always!
    xxx A

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a lovely tribute to your mil - I am very sure she was blessed to have you in her life and passed on happy in the knowledge that you will take the best care of her son and grandchildren while she is away!

    I echo Michelle's sentiments - you are certaibly a positive life force and it does rub off on others - THANK YOU!!!

    Love, Tracy G

    ReplyDelete