A week ago my Nanna, Nola Adams, passed away leaving her partner of 70 years, Cyrus Adams, and a large loving family. I also lost my Great Aunty Beth (who had just turned 100) a couple of days later.
They both lived long and happy lives, and I'm extremely thankful for that, and to have shared so much of mine with them. Particularly considering the poor young souls who lost their lives in the terrible tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, last Friday. They should have all had the opportunity for their grandchildren to tell stories about them like this one. My thoughts are with the families and community effected.
For those in the know (which is just close family and friends) you will notice there are many quotes and references to the poetry Cyrus wrote for Nola over their lives together.
One other explanation - "The Hello" is what my Uncle Robert called the telephone when he was a toddler. I thought that was quite a funny and personal little memory to add.
Nanna was a special person, as I believe the poem will illustrate, and myself (and all the family) will miss her greatly. But none more than Grandy (Cyrus), and my heart goes out to him with this poem. I wish so much I could hug him, but I hope this poem is a close second.
Forever In Memories
Hall
In the fourth year of The Forties
true love's lance did pass
Through the heart of a Chapel Alley
Boy, in his first typing class.
For when his eyes locked with the
teacher's he went flush in the face
And with her frequent instruction he
soon typed at a pace!
But no pace could compare to his
wildly beating heart
For this girl of true worth, from
whom he soon dread to part.
Yet part he must, for Avondale's
gates soon did call
But he placed her picture safely in
Memories Hall.
And oh, how slow passed those
three years of time.
He poured out his longing in rhythm
and rhyme,
To his auburn-haired love,
and recalled the joys had
When each heart enriched the other
with feelings glad.
And the leading of our
Savior's hand did see
That in Fourty-Seven, On the
Second of January,
They would marry, and head straight
to Fijian shores
To build a family while in loyal
service to The Lord.
So soon there was Robert, with a
splinted leg.
And Rosalind, with Mum's auburn hair
on her head.
Then Janice came when two more short
years had flown,
'Til they all took turns talking on
"The Hello" to home.
Still the love between Nola and
Cyrus did thrive,
No matter what challenges would come
in their lives.
For Nola was ever his "Inspiring
Star":
His "Wanderer's Guide",
whether near or far.
And she also guided us kids, with
much wise advice,
Always candid and consistent, caring
and concise.
"A glass of water when you
rise", "Be respectful in dress"
"What Kraft or Kellogg's may do
well, Sanitarium does best!"
But most importantly, "never let
peer pressure get to you,
It's not worth turning your insides
all blackened right through.
For those who frown or give
disapproving looks
Are not friends worth having, in our
Nanna's books.
And she'd never
forget the dish each grandchild preferred
So at each
family gathering we couldn't wait to be served.
And oh, we
loved her Mulberry or Fig & Ginger Jam
And much of
it was donated, or sold on market stands.
So for seven happy decades Nanna
warmed good Grandy's heart,
Just as that first phone call that
got them their start.
For a woman of such giving is so rare
to find
So committed to God in body and mind.
So many she prayed for in earnest
each night
Then each day (bar one) worked in
quiet delight
For family and friends, for the needy
and hurt
Not for glory, but always for
spreading The Word
And it's this long impeccable life
that she led,
This care that she shared from
breakfast ‘til bed,
That sees so many here in remembrance
today
To thank The Lord for sending dear
Nola our way.
So I end this poem with a loving line
straight from Cy
That he wrote "To Nola!" in
a year gone by;
"For God in His goodness has
made us both one,
And so we'll remain till days are all
done."
Oh Nanna, how we love you - and 'til
The Lord's second call
Your picture stands forever in
Memories Hall.