A tribute to nanas….

When I woke up this morning, a reminder went off on my phone.

Ahh it’s one of my best friend’s birthdays.

About half an hour later, the date triggered another memory.

Nine years today since my beloved nana died.

I still miss and think of her every day and how huge her impact on my world was.

It made me think about grandparents and the role they play in our lives,  how much they influence us whether they are with us for a short time or a long time.

The bond a grandparent shares with a grandchild is irreplaceable.

I was lucky – I got to spend 32 years of my life with Nana Beryle by my side.

She was my best friend, my second mum, my confidant and my playmate.

From as early as I can remember she was there.

Teaching me how to cook, playing dress-ups, curling my hair, taking me to feed the ducks….. and later in life, shopping, sharing a coffee or even a vino.

The simple things.

All the while sharing her history with me, her beliefs and values and shaping the very person I am today.

My mum’s become a nana in the last two years to two gorgeous girls. I’ve never seen her so happy and so in love than when she’s with her girls. She adores them as much as my sister and I,  if not more.

It’s a beautiful thing to watch and I know Ava already has that special place in her heart for her Nanny Di.

The heartache that ripped through me in the days, months and early years after she left us has eased, but oh how I wish she was here to share in my journey.

Just to know that I met an amazing man who became my husband and that I have a beautiful baby girl. She’d love hearing about our adventures. She always did. Most of all I’d like to hug her tight.

So lets raise a glass to all those nanas we’ve loved and lost and to those special grandparents out there who’ve enriched our lives. 

Their legacy lives on in all of us.

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Nicole Webb

Nicole is a journalist and writer (former News Reader with Sky News Australia) who, back in 2010, took a leap of faith and embarked on a journey to the city that never sleeps, Hong Kong! Fast forward four years, and Nicole, her hotelier husband and toddler stepped things up a notch and moved to Central China, where they lived in Xi'an for 2.5 years. Back in Sydney after a whirlwind adventure, Nicole continues her musings! Check out Mint Mocha Musings for plenty of intriguing, humorous and uplifting tales from her expat life in Asia so far. You can also find her on Twitter: @nicoledwebb. and Instagram at Mint Mocha Musings.

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