A Loving Tribute To A Truly Inspirational Lady " Jacqui Griffiths"

Below is a Eulogy that me and my twin brother Tom wrote for my nan's funeral back in April.

After being mistaken numerous amounts of times as our Mum we were for ever correcting friends and strangers that in actual fact she was our Nan. Some people go through life not ever having much of a relationship with their mum, others are lucky enough to have a close bond, but how fortunate  to know ,that we are one of the lucky ones. 

Life’s about the little things and these are ours

Over the years we have had the chance to experience some fantastic holidays around the world to several luxurious and exotic destinations such as America, Australia, Europe and Ecuador,  but only one will truly standout in our mind…..Rockley park Dorset with our Nan and Grandad.

I’m sure your wondering why being crammed into the back of a Peugeot 206 in the middle of summer, hugging extra quilts and hot water bottles, travelling at 50mph (thanks nan) sounds like anyone’s ideas of a good time. These times were and forever will be the best that we’ve ever had,
the long walks along the beach, the strolls to the nearby villages,  the laughter, the games, all valuable times we got to spend with our Nan  which truly showed how much she loved us.

Our Nan and Grandads house, 11 Hazewood close has been the hub of our family’s life for more than 20 years.

Christmas when young always involved, sleep overs, bed time stories, 
The Wizard of Oz, The Railway children, cups of teas and bacon
sandwiches ( you knew it was Christmas at Nan and Grandads).

A newer tradition that you don’t have to suffer anymore Nan, is the torture of opening presents in a circle, extremely slowly one by one. But we will miss your reaction on Christmas morning, always grateful for the gifts that you received no matter how big, small or rubbish. Never one to have much of a drink, due to another old saying “everything in moderation”.

Still not sure if it’s a good or bad thing we now know every garden centre that exists in the West Midlands as we have visited all of them a 1000 times over. In your memory we will continue to visit the places that you loved, such as Western Supermare, Stratford, Webbs and of course the new Waitrose, we know that you will always be with us to keep the good times alive.

Having been competitive since birth, this truly came out whenever we played a game of monopoly. During the heat of the battle our Nan would always be the calming influence, acting as referee with the grand old saying “it’s only a game”. We will continue to play these board games our new favourite “triominoes” , knowing that our Grandad can now live
in the house without wearing a vest and shorts twenty four seven due to the incredible warmth of the central heating.

Our Nan was a fabulous cook, from rock cakes, trifles, meringues to hot dinners it would always taste amazing no matter what, to this day we’re still left wondering why any of this hasn’t been passed on to our Mum. Our mid-week dinner and catch up will never be the same again, from feeling like we were in gogglebox to complaining about Coronation
Street.
Grandad I hope you’re ready to continue the legacy that is “jacket
potato fish and vegetables.”  Anyone else and we wouldn’t have stood for the same meal a thousand times, but because it was Nan it worked.

One thing that I want everyone, sat here today to take away with them is that if you really care for someone …………..you will make time.

Nan always loved a good card and would often spend hours browsing them in Clintons much to the annoyance of everyone else. I think it’s safe to say that my Nan was probably one of the only people to have ever read the insert of a card, appreciating every single word written. We want to take the time to say thank you so much to everyone for all of your wonderful cards, how she would have loved to have seen the hundreds in her house now.
One that stood out in particular was by someone who had only met her once ,they commented on the fact that she oozed friendliness, what a great quality to have.

After being lucky enough to spend time going through the hundreds of photos at my grandparents’ house we were able to witness a life time of smiles that now fill my beautiful mum’s memory book which we have with us here today. Another grandchild (or child) that we can’t forget, is holly the dog, I think we all secretly wish we could have been her, because she received some of the most care and attention.

Over the years Nan was always one to listen to our daily moans and groans, never once did she tell us to shut up or stop going on. Nan always had an easy solution to any difficult situation. She would always have spent her last pound on any of her grandchildren rather than treat herself to something nice from Marks and Spencer’s……….

(Sorry Josh can I stop you there for a minute………..But if anyone out there …..Including you vicar knows my Nans pin number to her bank card could they please let my grandad know at the end). Thank You.

Whilst trying to think of the best way to remember our Nan, we searched the meaning of kind in the dictionary, it said “showing a friendly, generous, sympathetic or warm hearted nature. “ I think that says it all.

End

During the last few years of her wonderful life she never lost the quiet strength she always had. I know that you will be watching over us all, as we continue to carry on with the tools of life that you taught us, to set goals, to be true, to be caring, to love, to show respect to all and to be hard working.

We will all continue to make you extremely proud Nan. We will cherish all you gave us every single day. Her legacy will always live on through us. To our family remember nans moto, “Whatever life throws at you be strong and deal with it.”

We have learnt that you can buy most things in life if you work hard enough, but you can’t buy more time, we were so blessed with the time that we had .To each and every one of you sat here today………. please remember its ok to be kind to one another and show your smile as she showed hers.

In these final words…..

It’s now time to rest and be at peace.

We say goodbye to our love, our darling, our angel, our Nan…….night night god bless.

WE LOVE YOU.

xxx

Josh, Tom, Joe, Ollie, Seb & Millie