Lifetime of influence

Today 4th December 2020 marks 15 years to the day when ‘Nan’ passed away. In my growing years, this woman played a significant mother role to me and was a major influence in shaping who I am today. When I think back to 4th of December 2005, I cannot do it without a tear in my eye as I do not have the words to describe how I felt that day. Even now, 15 years later is still feels like yesterday and the gap she left in my life will forever be reserved for her.

As a child, I never saw an elderly woman, I saw someone I aspire to be. I never saw old wrinkly hands, I just remember how soft and gentle they were. And that apron she always wore was used for everything from drying dishes, wiping up spills and carrying pots from the cook top. She used that same apron to wipe my mouth when I ate and tears from my eyes when I grazed my knee. Seems strange in today’s world where many would panic over germs, but not once did that apron ever make me sick.

But rather than be sad today, like every 4th of December I celebrate a woman that made me who I am. I acknowledge how lucky I was to have her in my life at all. I choose happiness over grief as when I think of her, I feel a sense of comfort, peace and humility rather than sadness or loss.

It has more recently made me think about those who I may influence in my lifetime, and what kind of influence do I want to be toward others? I can only strive to be a reflection of this woman I called ‘Nan’ and do my best to share positivity with others.