Getting to know grandparents over the last 12 years has been such a privilege.
As you might expect when a grandparent first contacts us they are in a very dark place, it is the time to just listen and offer guidance and support.
Over time I get to know them a little better, I learn about themselves, their families and the things they get pleasure out of, in many cases we build a wonderful relationship, some become friends.
One of our aims has always been to bring grandparents together, wherever possible.
I managed to link up two grandparents several years ago, and they have been meeting regularly, giving each other much needed support sharing many a laugh,I might add!
One of these grandparents used Whatsapp and would frequently send me messages.
I was so thrilled when a little parcel arrived, enclosed was a pair of earrings that she had made for me, I am wearing them as I write.
Over the last couple of years she has been suffering ill health, and I was so saddened to hear yesterday that she has passed away.
Here is what her friend wrote about her,
I met N…. through this wonderful group. She was a beautiful person inside and out and I will never forget her. We were there for each other always and gave each other comfort on our low days. I have been in constant touch with N…. through her illness and tried to send her supportive messages and ‘normalise’ things as best I could. We used to meet regularly and had our favourite coffee place where we would sit for hours and talk about our grandchildren without worrying that we were boring each other and completely at ease with each other in our understanding of our very sad situations.
Nothing I can say will lessen the devastation felt by N……. family and friends.
It is just awful to know that she did not get the opportunity to see her estranged grandchild before she died, that will be something that those who prevented it will now have to live with for the rest of their lives.
Rest in peace, dear lady and thank you for being you. xx
