Meanderings along Ancestral Polytheist Paths: Goodbye

05 January 2009

Goodbye

Totally off topic, but I wanted a post to mark the passing of my Grandmother, Kathleen, on the weekend. At 93, my grandmother had lived a marvellous and long life but, having had her around so long, it's hard to believe she won't be there anymore. I just hope she is at peace, as I know she had been fretful and fearful towards the end.

I cherished the relationship I had fostered with her as an adult, and I'm extremely sad to lose her. At least I still have my other grandmother, who is one of my best, and closest friends.

I am unable to attend the funeral, as this will be taking place back in Australia on Friday, but I will be lighting a candle in her honour.

7 comments:

hen said...: I am so sorry for your loss.

I'll hold you and your Grandmother in my mind during my Friday practice.

warm wishes,
hen
x; 6 January 2009 at 00:42
laoi gaul~williams said...: sorry to hear this sad news~i am sure she wont vanish totally from your life; 6 January 2009 at 09:23
Leanne said...: Thinking of you AC, I am sorry for your loss.

Leanne x; 6 January 2009 at 14:25
Bo said...: *Hugs*
Sorry to hear about this. I hope you're OK.; 6 January 2009 at 17:15
An Gàidheal Pàganach said...: Thank you for your kind wishes, which are gratefully received.

I'm okay, but its strange to think that she is no longer in my life. To be honest, I am more concerned for my father, who lost a younger brother just before Christmas in 2006 and has now lost his mother. He is a reticent man, and I long to give him a hug and comfort him, but we are 14,000 miles apart, which makes things awkward.; 6 January 2009 at 18:55
Aisling the Bard said...: I am so sorry, and am lighting candles for a safe journey for Granny, and peace to those left behind.; 6 January 2009 at 19:26
Geraldine Moorkens Byrne said...: I am so sorry to hear this, and I hope your dad in particular is doing alright, you are all in my thoughts.; 9 January 2009 at 13:14

Festival Calendar

Là Fhèill Brìghde ~ A time to celebrate the end of winter, welcome the beginnings of spring, and the start of new life (and love), usually by the cleaning and purifying the home, and the blessing of animals and children.

Bealltainn ~ The start of the season of fertility.

Summer Solstice ~ A personal celebration wherein I "sit out" all night in contemplation of my ancestors, and how they might have viewed this time of the year, as the days now become shorter, and the nights longer, but the weather warmer.

Lùnastal ~ A time to contemplate blood, family, and honour and the coming harvest.

Samhainn ~ The end of summer and the beginning of winter; a time to honour the ancestors, of the family, older clans, countrymen, and pagan forebears.

Winter Solstice ~ A personal celebration wherein I "sit out" all night to ponder how my ancestors might have endured, and considered during the longest night and shortest day of the year.