Thursday morning I woke much earlier than usual. We were about to run the pilot training sessions the new software I have been working on and being somewhat conciencious I wanted to go in early and do some prep work. Make sure the room was set up in time, etc.
The class kicked off as normal at 0900 and it seemed like an ordinary day until just before our coffee break when my phone rang. It's unusual for me to even have a signal at the office, let alone get a call, but glancing at the LCD screen, I made note that it was my parents number. We were about due a break so I gave my students time to grab a coffee and called back my parents. Everything okay? I asked. It was my father who answered the phone. I could tell immediately by his voice something was not right. Was it Nan? Was she ill? "Is it Nan?" I asked? hessitantly.
"No", said Said. "It's your Auntie Pauline. She passed away this morning at just after nine".
I couldn't believe it. I was standing on my mobile right in the middle of the banking floor and as my Dad started to explain what had happened I could feel my eyes welling up, my arm and hands started to shake and my legs started to turn to Jelly. I had to interupt Dad and more of a statement than a question ask, Can I call you back in a bit?
As I made my way down the short distance to my own Desk on the third floor the shaking was becoming worse. What on earth had happened? She was only 64. I went straight up to my boss and thankfully he was not on the phone, explained my situation and he gave immediate instructions to Ray to dismiss my class and explain the situation.
Ian took me to grab a coffee and then for a walk just till I could compose myself. It was so sudden. If she had been ill or in Hospital some time you could have expected it but like this? It just didn't seem real.
Today, Sunday, was James Stanley Borchard's Christening and so we were back there for the celebrations. Especially as I was a Godfather. Lee was the first I saw at the reception. All tanned and healthy looking, having just flown back from Australia to be with his family. You feel so helpless and not sure what to say, but we chatted and met his girlfriend. Then Samantha arrived with the three kids in Tow. You could see the pain and sadness on her face and as we kissed and then embraced the hug was almost as though Auntie Pauline were there herself and then there was Denham. Like all of them, putting on a brave face. With the hello's and first words over you don't really know what to say, but I will say that Auntie Linda's words are so so very true. It takes some very strong brave young people to come out to a christening and meet the family and friends, just a couple of days after their dear mothers passing. Yet remembering Auntie Pauline as we all do, she would have done the same. Being Selfless and putting others before herself and sharing her love with everyone.
This evening Sue called to wish us all the best and send their love and reminded me that Pauline, or A.P. as we referered to her often was surrounded with love all her life. Trevor, her husband adored her with all his heart and their three Children, Grand Children and then her two Sisters and their onward families. I can honestly say I have nothing but fond memories of the Christmas's we have shared at our house or theirs and I am sure I can speak for everyone when we all say, she will be truly missed. My only regret is that like any of us, we never knew it was coming and never got to say goodbye. At least Auntie Pauline and I had one thing in common. We both often told each other "I Love You". That may seem a simple thing to do but when you have people around you that show you only love then you are truly blessed and that we hope you truly are dear Auntie. Missing you already. With all the love in all our hearts, always and forever.
No comments:
Post a Comment