Stretched between grief and gratitude
grief work, farewell my nanna, a few scattered thoughts, halloween/beltane
My Nanna died this month. I’m missing her deeply and feeling the sadness ripple through our family in waves. My thinking is less fluid than usual, I’m sleeping more, crying more, and moving very slowly through life.
I’ve made more space in my schedule for this grief work, so you might have to wait a little longer to see me. But I always want to walk my talk, and giving grief space and talking more openly about it is part of that.
Farewell my Nanna:
Nanna fractured her hip at the end of September, and with her usual determination, started rehab so she could return to her independent life as soon as possible. However, after a week or so of intense pain, she chose to stop all treatment and requested palliative care only.
Her family gathered around as she mentally checked off each of her 3 children, 7 grandchildren (and partners), and 9 great-grandchildren - blessing us all with her love, wisdom and dry humour.
For the last four days, my mum and her siblings shared the time by Nanna’s bedside. As her breathing became more laboured, she drifted from consciousness, finally letting go around 4pm on 9 October 2024.
At the funeral, many people mentioned how glamorous, joyful, funny, sassy and competitive she was. She was the youngest of seven sisters and never gave up the posture of pushing forward with her elbows out.
Nanna was bright and sharp witted for all of her 96yrs 6mths. I am so grateful she was an active part of my life for 42yrs - it’s a long time to have a grandmother! She was also proud of this longevity, living longer than any of her sisters, and even outlasting the queen (by one month).
There is so much of her in all of us children and grandchildren. We really miss her! And she lives on in our hearts and minds.
Nana Shirley Alice Cowell,
Rest in peace
We love you and always will
Love,
Your Family xx oo
A few scattered thoughts:
I attended the Osteopathy Australia conference on 25-26 Oct. It was interesting to hear about the professional regulation of osteos from US, UK, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Italy and Brazil. And to discuss our role in the healthcare system from this global perspective.
Menopause in Motion - this podcast episode has inspiring ideas on how to get the movement your body needs, in ways that you enjoy and work for you as an individual.
It’s in the Bag - a simple way to donate a bag of essentials for women in a domestic violence refuge this Christmas.
Wolf Crawl 2025 - I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the guided slow read of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall trilogy this year. I felt too intimidated to read the books alone, and have gained so much more insight and pleasure reading with a community. This link is an invitation to join the slow read next year.
Now I’m off to celebrate Halloween/Beltane with this little leprechaun…
Much love,
Emily