For Auntie Lily

 

 

These flowers are for my Auntie Lily who sadly died Thursday morning after a short illness. I wrote this not knowing whether I would post it on the blog or whether it was just for me to write in words. I know she was well looked after in hospital, she was on the ward that she was a volunteer on for many, many years previously so the staff all knew her. It was also the ward where her husband was looked after before he died, about 18 years ago.


I have very fond memories of my Auntie Lily (she's actually my Great Aunt) from my childhood, through to visiting her since having Imogen. I count myself very lucky to have known her, loved her and felt her love too, she was like a third Nan to me. Generous, kind and gentle, as was her husband, the nicest people you could ever meet. I'm not a religious person myself but I'm sure she will feel reunited with him after all these years.

I remember we used to visit her when we were young and play in her home and garden, she always, always baked cakes ... often butterfly cupcakes with lovely soft icing inside. It wasn't until I was older that I noticed she rarely ate the cakes herself, only learning this after finding out she was diabetic. She did occasionally indulge though.

We always, as children, had gifts for our birthdays, Christmas and Easter and she continued this when Imogen was born. I used to send her photo's and visit whenever we were up visiting my parents and we could arrange to pop in.

My Auntie Lily was at my wedding 8 years ago, travelling down with some close family friends and I'm so glad she was there to share my special day. I borrowed some lovely pearl earrings for my wedding day too. I remember her telling me how much she loved the day and the wedding venue in the New Forest.

me and Auntie Lily on my wedding day

Auntie Lily was never one to have her photograph taken, but I have a few. Here she is with me on my Wedding day (wow we both look tired, this was late in the day), and a few years later with Imogen aged 7 weeks.

with Imogen, 7 weeks old

I love this photo of her taken at a barbecue we held in our old garden the day before our Wedding - such a lovely picture of her as taken by my niece or nephew on one of those disposable cameras my brother bought for them - we have some very funny pictures taken by them those couple of days.

at home the day before my Wedding Day

Lastly a photo of her on her 80th birthday last year, enjoying a meal with all her family. She has two daughters, a son and two granddaughters who have been constantly at her side for the last few weeks, having travelled from Scotland, Cornwall and Australia. My mom has been there too, and a lot previously whilst she was ill and over the years. I know my Mom will miss her very much, she was more like an older sister/mother figure to her too, rather than her Aunt, there was only 14 years between them.

Lily's 80th birthday

This has probably been the hardest post I've had to write, and has taken me a while to complete, very emotional. We will all miss you Auntie Lily, may you rest in peace.
Love Dawn x