Ivy Smith

I is for idyll in the way that at 91 years of age my grandmother took such care, attention and pride in her appearance and her home. V is for vanity as my grandmother was always immaculately groomed,her hair always looking pristine, full face of make up, how fantastic at that age. Sometimes I think I should take a leaf out of my grandmother's book. I can see my grandmother nodding in agreement. Y is simply yearning to have my grandmother still here. S is savour, I savour those laughs we used to have together, especially talking about my grandmother's war days and her lodger's she took in during the war. S is also for secondary care. When you get to those senior years in my knowledge most only receive secondary care, except for my grandmother who had exceptional care, love and attention at the hands of her two lovely carer's (or minder's as my grandmother used to call them) Ellie and Angie thankyou for caring. M has to be for memory, as my grandmother had the most amazing memory. A better, sharper memory than me and my mother joined. My grandmother had the sharpest, quickest brain. M is also for my grandmother's amazing courage and spirit throughout her life. I is for intelligence, as you could always hold and keep an intelligent conversation going with my grandmother. T is for tender, as my grandmother was gentile, and affectionate as well as being vulnerable and sensitive. My grandmother was also non-judgemental, she never judged me on being a lone parent. H is for hereditary for my smith nose, for my grandmother's sense of humour, and of course a hug. Grandma I send you a hug from myself and Daniel. On a lighter note, on telling Daniel my son of his great-grandmother's death, I said great grandma has died and gone to heaven in the sky. Daniel replied "only animals go there" I said people go there too then Daniel replied 2but the beds are to small" BYE GRANDMA