Another tribute to another close "family" member, who recently passed away (June 30th). This time, to my Godmother, whom I used to call "Auntie Frances". This will also be read out as a eulogy during the funeral service, which is tomorrow (6am Chicago time / 12 noon England time).
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Of all my many fond memories of Auntie Frances, the dinner parties are the times that stick out for me the most. The dinner parties where she and Uncle Derek came to my Mum's house, and the dinner parties where we went to their house. These were always exciting occasions for me.
Frances would come through the front door with arms out-spread and say a big, enthusiastic "Hello!" (Emphasis on the second syllable) as if she hadn't seen me for 10 years, and give me a big hug and kiss. She was always smartly dressed, usually with some sort of flowing trouser suit, with a nice perfume.
There would always be a cheeriness and merriment to her, as if she and Uncle Derek had just been sharing a private joke in the car on the way down. The two of them would often be on the verge of giggling and ready to laugh at anything.
One of Frances' classic sayings was "Oh my Godfathers!", which she'd exclaim dramatically to any funny or slightly shocking story you might tell her. And then she'd laugh with a hoot, and follow that with a witty remark.
Another classic Frances saying, especially at the end of a funny story was "And that's it and all about it!" As if to say, "now we've put the world to rights!"
If you told her something nice, such as some good news, she'd say warmly, "Oh that's grand!" and give you a big beaming smile.
She had her serious side too, and she and I often talked together about life. She was always interested in me, and whether I was happy and doing well. Taking me aside, she'd ask questions about my welfare and would listen kindly to whatever I told her. She called me "Lovey" or, "Victoria, love".
I immensely enjoyed visiting her and Uncle Derek in their home. I loved her carpets, rugs and furniture, which were always polished and spotless yet also cozy and inviting. (The tassles on the rugs were always combed perfectly straight, yet they were also soft and welcoming).
She was a good cook, and I remember many of her dinners and especially her desserts. She always apologized for the way the food had turned out - The pork chops were always, in her opinion "over done", or the casserole didn't have the right flavor, or something was always "wrong" with it. But it always tasted delicious of course!
She was always very generous to me, and later to my children, especially with gifts. And several years ago, she gave me some of her gold jewelry, saying there was no point waiting until after she was gone - I might as well have it and enjoy it now!
Enjoying life in the now was what Auntie Frances taught me: - to appreciate the finer things in life - to laugh at ourselves, and our little mistakes and misfortunes, and to be merry and cheery - which inspires others to feel good.
Whilst so sad not to be there in person tomorrow, on the day of celebration of Auntie Frances' life, I will raise a toast to her over here. And I will sit and think of my family there, and I'll pay tribute to her in my thoughts... What a wonderful Godmother to have, what a wonderful person she was.
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