On the 16th April, 2022 we received news that Grandma G had passed away. She hadn't been herself for many years, lost to dementia, but it didn't make the loss any easier. I was sad for Dad who was planning to head up to see her but didn't make it to say goodbye.
Her farewell service was in Old Bar so we booked an apartment next to Old Bar beach. It's always lovely to see extended family, just sad the occasions that usually bring us together. We hung out in the clubhouse with the cousins, playing pool, table tennis and watching the AFL. The kids had a blast playing on the pool table for the first time (although found it very tricky to play properly.
The morning of the funeral I woke early to watch a beautiful sunrise. God giving me a hug.
When the kids woke up, I took them for a walk along the beach. It was so pebbly. The beach is so different to what it was when we were growing up. So much erosion, so many rocks and the waves were so choppy. But it was nice to be there. The walk along the beach was nice and cool to explore. We were excited to find some shark eggs!
We then packed up and headed to Old Bar beach with the Howie's to have a look at the water. Many happy memories were had at this beach growing up. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa G for living near the beach.
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| A quick morning tea snack before the funeral. Country bakeries are awesome! |
The funeral was a lovely one celebrating the life of our beautiful Grandma G. Everyone spoke well and it was so nice that Nat was able to have a video played so that she was a part of it. Andrew spoke beautifully on behalf of the grandkids and Dad, Uncle Milton and Uncle Mark shared some lovely insight into young Grandma G and growing up with her. Her body is now at peace next to Grandpa G, and they are both having a party up in heaven with God.
We had some afternoon tea together before the tradition of family photos continued with Gower family get-togethers. Many laughs, much silliness, much fun.
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| Little cousins (missing Elyse, Daniel, Owen, Logan and Ethan) |
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| Big cousins (missing Nat) |
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| Family |
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| Brothers |
My Thoughts of Grandma G
By Debbie Noble, 2022
Peggy Eileen Gower lived an amazing 94 years,
She has now entered Heaven, which brings many of us to tears.
She lived an amazing life and has left a legacy,
One which her family will carry on for many to see.
She loved Grandpa dearly, they did make a great team,
Nothing was ever too big for them, at least that’s how it seemed.
Being a pastor’s wife is not an easy task,
But Grandma supported Grandpa and would help him when asked.
Mother of 4 children, her 3 boys were her pride,
Her face would light up each time they came inside.
Grandma to 8 grandkids and 14 Great-Grandchildren,
Many new names for her to learn was a bit of a mission.
Grandma G was a cheeky lady who always had a smile,
To help out someone else, she would have run a mile.
She displayed hospitality when visitors came around
In the kitchen preparing food is where she would be found.
She was an amazing baker and she loved to make a treat,
Her butterfly cakes were my favourite little sweet.
She’d organise tasty dinners when all were around,
And when the kids went to bed, a sweets plate for adults would be found.
Grandma was very musical, she’d play the piano and sing,
She loved to sing praises to Jesus, our Lord and King.
At church she would sing loudly, she didn’t care who heard
But she sang and believed every lyric, every word.
I remember when I was younger, telling her that Dad sang off key,
I got in trouble from her because it was actually a harmony.
I now have her piano to play in my own home,
I love that a special piece of her is here for me to own.
Each holidays we would travel to stay with Grandpa and Grandma,
It was a special time when we travelled to Old Bar.
She didn’t always come on our adventures, but when we returned home
She wanted to hear what we got up to and where we did roam.
I remember walking past her room and seeing her sitting in bed,
With Grandpa too holding their Bible and chatting about what they read.
She modelled putting God’s will first in everything you do,
And trusting in Him in the good and bad times too.
Grandma was always jealous of my curly hair,
‘People would pay good money for those curls’, she’d often share.
Grandma, I have my curls out, just for you today.
I hope you look down with some smiles that I embraced my hair your way.
Grandma really disliked ants, she would call them ‘rotten things’
And quickly spray and wipe them and throw them in the bin.
Upon Grandma and Grandpa’s wall were travel spoons they collected,
My kids now love looking at these types of spoons, a way they would have connected.
I wish my kids remembered meeting Grandma, I wish she remembered meeting them.
The smiles that she had when she held my babies then.
I’m glad that I have photos of when she held them tight,
She might not have known they were family but her face still lit up bright.
Around 5 years ago, my visits weren’t the same,
She didn’t recognise my face or even know my name.
She didn’t have the time to sit and chat with us
Instead she walked around the place, I felt we caused a fuss.
I’m sad that our last few years with Grandma dementia had set in,
It made conversations hard and visits were quite thin.
But I’m thankful that she was still loved and cared for in such a special way,
That she would still embrace each and every day.
She might not have put her teeth in, she might not have been dressed,
But my Grandma knew what she wanted and she knew what was best.
She was in a happy place, with her dementia thoughts,
And still knew about Jesus and the lessons she had been taught.
Grandma you are now in Heaven with Grandpa too,
Your memories are back and your body is brand new.
I am grateful for the years we had, the moments that we shared,
I’m thankful for your love and for the way you really cared.
Enjoy singing the hymns, enjoy singing God’s praises,
Enjoy the time with Grandpa and exploring Heaven’s spaces.
My dear Grandma G, I do love and miss you,
But I thank God that your body and mind have been renewed.
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