End Of A Saga

Snake Bite Won Or Was It Age

Questioning life is like questioning death itself, no real answers. What I did experience after knowing my husband over fifty years together was he enjoyed running, in later years walked daily, photography and holidays always topped the list. When not away many walks on beaches and in parks, with children and pets over the years.

After snake bite at the end of October nothing ever returned to any semblance of normal, at the end death certificate was noted as natural causes.

Cremation indicated without a church service had been his wishes, living in South Africa the cremation fortunately done a day before loadshedding reared it's ugly head again, albeit shorter being only a few days. Flooding over two weeks, well we had three which meant we could not continue making plans as communities needed assistance.

March 9th we booked Celebration of Life at MOTH gardens in Warner Beach where we have lived for over forty years. We selected a place under a tree in broiling 34C (93.2F) to gather, share memories of the years where more often than not you learn a lot about a partner who was quiet and unassuming through work associates or friends made along his path in life. Three score plus one, at 71 not old, who is to question when the bell tolls?

The geese kept us company, actually not too happy as this was "their" tree, they surrendered and allowed us a brief time to share it with them.

Then we had the mongoose family arrive, during our time they too decided to join in, geese kept them at bay not allowing them too close up under the tree where we had congregated.

Mongoose live in the coastal vegetation in our region

After everyone was settled with a plate of eats the geese returned and settled under the tree with us, a very special remembrance one my husband would have appreciated. Being different cultures it worked out brilliant as all had an opportunity to share from their perspective.

Once those who joined had slowly left my brother and I took a quiet walk around the gardens thinking of those who have gone before us, closing this chapter a glance over to the tree where we spent some time honouring a provider, father and loyal friend to many.

I may not be back on Hive for awhile, sorting out many real life things around the home at the moment, be assured as soon as I am able it will be on a more permanent basis as it once was.

Many thanks to the many who have sent condolences, wishes for the future and life to continue.