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.
Related Posts
Looking in From the Outside: Toto, We’re Not in Kansas Anymore – This is China
China’s Smoking Gun: Somebody’s Making a Killing! #ThisisChina
Fake it till you make it: China’s counterfeit craze…. 
CHINA BLONDE: How a newsreader’s search for adventure led to friendship, acceptance….and peroxide pandemonium in China.
Back to China: The Place Where Anything is Possible
Spoken Like a True Expat: Learning Chinese!
Enjoyed that post? If so, why not sign up to Mint Mocha Musings so you don't miss a thing! Updates, Tips and Freebies
We love you nanas! Hope Ava enjoys some special moments with her Nana (and grandpa!) on their impending visit.xxx