I am delighted to once again take part in the Virtual Advent Tour hosted by Marg & Kelly.Last year I wrote THIS post about my late Grandmother and how I was giving to Kiva, via being part of the Genealogists for Families Team as a way of commemorating her birthday.
Likewise, I shall make a further loan as part of the team as today would have been my Grandmother's 100th Birthday.
She was, at least to me a very special individual. We spent lots of time together and her last Christmas was spent with myself and my husband, her visit last 6 weeks and we loved every minute of it.
My husband recorded some of our conversations as she reminisced about past Christmas', She recalled events from her own childhood, her parents, her siblings and her time spent as a newly wed during the early years of the Second World War. She remembered being so cross with my Grandfather for volunteering, when he could have worked at the farm where his brother's worked. Those video tapes are still here and have been transferred to DVD, yet I still can not watch them 17 years later.
She was a huge influence in my life and I dreadfully miss those conversations we had, the laughs, jokes and advise she gave.
I was incredibly lucky to have had her as my Grandmother and to have had such a wonderful relationship with her.
Here she is, in what is my favourite photograph of her. This was taken on her 21st birthday, so it does somehow seem rather fitting to share it here.
Incidentally, her present for her 21st birthday was a 24 carat gold bangle. I never saw her wear it, but she obviously treasured it as I am now the proud owner of it.
Lilian Edith Butcher nee Matthews
18th Dec 1912 - 21st April 1995
If you wish to join the Genealogists for Families Team, whose motto is "We care about families, Past, Present & Future" please click HERE
I have become addicted to Kiva giving and think it's a wonderful way to remember and honor your very loved grandmother.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristin. She was indeed very loved and I miss the time we spent together.
DeleteHow wonderful that you have the aural heritage of her stories (Mr Angler did well!) as well as a bracelet.
ReplyDeleteKiva had really grabbed so many of us as a way of sharing our good fortune and remembering particular events and people. I truly believe in our small ways we can make a difference to others who need help and want to help themselves!
Lovely post. Than k you for sharing it on the tour.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marg.
DeleteMy grandfather, whom I was also very close to, also died around Christmas (the 23rd), so I can totally relate to this post. I like how you've taken to commemorating her. Here's how I remember him.
ReplyDeleteKiva has been a great way for me to learn about what's going on around the world in a more personal way.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Joy's Book Blog
That's a lovely tribute to your grandma!
ReplyDelete