Monday, May 6, 2024
Please note: The following has some comedy in it because I'm a comedy writer and it's my way of paying tribute.
You did not like my driving. One speed bump was all it took to get fired from being your chauffeur. But despite the fact that I know I’m an amazing driver, I wasn't offended. Some people, you find out through time that they march to the beat of their own drum. If that metaphor is true, Nan invented the bloody drums. How she wanted things, that’s how it went. I not only respected her for that, it was one of the many reasons I and all of us loved her.
Nan has had a long life. Some of us wish we could live so long, others, cant imagine decades more of social media posts. Yes I saw that rescued puppy on the street video on TikTok. There are so many that at this point I think people are just taking their own dogs out to highway 101. Oh god, that’s what’s happening. Remember when bookclubs existed? Man times were simpler.
Nan has seen the times, she's lived through a lot of history. And through the chaos, the changes in the world, she kept things simple. Sewing, playing cards, losing at bingo, winning sometimes. New Brunswick was good to her a few times. Who here can say that about New Brunswick? But through this simpler life, she had one of the best daughters the world could ever be blessed with.
Then one of the world’s best granddaughters came along. There’s also the great-great grandchildren, but let’s focus on two generations. In a way Nan was her own universe. She attracted amazing people around her which helped us all connect with each other. Sometimes just being yourself can help bring others into each other’s lives in profound and magical ways. She did that. One of my favourite poems is called "The Laughing Heart," by Charles Bukowski. At the end of it, he writes "You are marvellous. The gods wait to delight in you." I don't know what happens when we cross the bridge from life into the unknown, but I know whoever’s there, they are now delighting in the presence of Nan. I miss you and love you. Joshua
