memorablemeanders.blogspot.com

Monday, December 4, 2017

Grant

Hello friends.

This is possibly the hardest blog post I have ever done and there is no way to say it other than straight out:

Grant, my husband of 45 plus years, school sweetheart and ultimate friend, passed away last Monday.

As you can all imagine it has been a hectic week and I didn't get to post here at all. Some of you saw the condolences on Facebook and sent me messages. Thank you.

We had a private burial on Thursday on our son, John and daughter-in-law, Debbie's farm. 

 Walking down the path to near the river where we lay Grant to rest 
 I was reminded of happier times when Skabenga and Eddie and I walked this path - often! 
 Grant would've been pleased that he was taken to his last resting place in a Toyota Landcruiser in a coffin made by his son, John, carried to the grave by his sons, wives and oldest granddaughter;  laid to rest in a grave dug by John, covered by his sons Angus and John and the older grandsons! 
Our older son, John and his oldest, Joshua; our younger son, Angus and his older son, Joel cover the grave while Bethany waits to place her wildflowers (picked along the path to the gravesite) on Granddad's grave
 The grandchildren sitting in the shade at Granddad's graveside 
 The littlest Hedges, Liam clutching a bunch of statice and waiting in his dad's arms to put it on Granddad's grave 
 Bethany smiles beautifully for Granny's camera! 

 On Friday we had a memorial service at a resort  nestled at the foot of the mountain peaks. Grant's brother, Charles piped the service in playing Amazing Grace
Some of the biker friends who drove up from Durban to attend the service. Here I am with them and my BIL, Charles

 The whole Valley community was most supportive. Estelle made the funeral sheets; Ann our communications person in the Valley sent her the photo of Grant at the Pink Bra Walk a little over a month ago. (I posted about it at the time)
 A lady from the Durban biker's association sent me the beautiful photo taken of Grant at a get-together we atteneded in the Free State mid-June this year. 



Rest in Peace my dearest, darling Grant 

21 comments:

  1. Thank you Jo, for taking me with you to Grants funeral. I feel I know both of you and my heart aches for your loss and the loss your family feels. I will continue to pray for you for strength and comfort. I think you are right, Grant would love that the family did all of this and your good friends helped. hugs and love coming to you from me.

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  2. My deepest condolences.
    May peace be with you.

    Linda C in Seattle.

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  3. My thoughts are with you and your family. So sorry to hear of your husband's death. It must have been quite sudden. Revelation 21:3 and 4

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  4. So sorry for your loss Jo - thinking of you all the time! Lots of love Rosemary & Peter xx

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  5. Hello, Jo! I am so sorry for your loss. I am at a loss for words myself, I can only imagine how you are feeling. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I think Grant would be very happy with his resting place and the funeral service with the family. {{HUGS}} Eileen

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  6. This was exactly the perfect funeral for Grant! I am in admiration never you could do that in Europe. Now I hope you will adapt quickly to your new life. Fortunately you have your shop !!

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  7. I am so very sorry. Heartfelt hugs and oceans of caring are flowing your way.

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  8. Dear Jo, no words can fully express what one would like to say at such a time of loss as this. I pray that God would comfort and guide you and give you strength at this time.

    I love how you and your family laid Grant to rest. I'm sure Grant would have liked that. It was very touching for me to witness through your photos. God bless you all at this time. xx

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  9. I am so sorry for your loss. My husband is managing cancer, lo these 4 years. It simply isn't easy either way. Hugs from Ontario, Canada.

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  10. I have not been blogging as much. So sorry to hear about your loss sister and may the Lord strengthen you and comfort you and your family.

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  11. I am sorry to hear about your loss Jo. I feel like I've known you both forever. So glad you are surrounded by your loving family.

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  12. I am so sorry Jo to hear this sad news. Glad that your family was there to comfort you. You are in my thoughts.

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  13. I'm so very sorry to read about the loss of your husband. 45 years of marriage and then some is a lifetime of happy memories that you will always have. Thinking of you...

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  14. I have been so moved by this post and that last image of Grant is wonderful. Hard to take in he has gone now.

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  15. You have my sympathy and what a beautiful send off.

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  16. What a beautiful ceremony and so lovingly done by family.

    My heart aches for you and your loss.

    Love, hugs & prayers ~ FlowerLady

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  17. Oh Jo, I'm so late coming here and so, so saddened, and quite shocked, to learn of your dear husband's passing.
    My heartfelt condolences to you and your lovely family. May beautiful memories of all those precious years with Grant remain forever close to your heart.

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  18. Dear Jo, I am so sorry toe hear of Grant's death. I've been negligent in checking on your blog and on Facebook. I can't imagine what I would do if Jerry passed away before I did. May the Lord give you peace and comfort and may your sons and daughters-in-law surround you with tender, loving care and comfort.

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Thank you for visiting my blog and taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate your feedback. Jo