Here is one of my fond memories of growing up in Newfoundland with extended family members all around; which was the traditional way of life for us then, especially in the small, close net communities. I feel we must hang on to the good old memories to preserve the good old traditions. While time moves onward, families are much smaller and many must leave to go to work and to follow careers elsewhere. Yes, not all was good and we have progressed from many of the ‘old school’ ways of thinking and acceptances. In many ways the younger generations have grown stronger in this era of change. Let’s preserve the traditional ways of Newfoundland and the scenic beauty we call home; let’s hang on to, and continue to value, the good old traditions and ways that make us uniquely Newfoundlanders. This we are and will always be: like the beautiful scenery of this island, we are colorful, bold, strong and beautiful in our own distinctive way. Here we can find peace and calm and rejuvenation in the quiet nooks and crannies. We are always eager to share or to help. We can be forgiving and kind or tough and rugged, and most of all we are able to laugh, always, and even at ourselves. We are Newfies. The sound of laughter still echoes in my mind My Nan Collins As a child growing up, there were things about Nan that I didn’t consciously take note of and I didn’t come to truly appreciate until I was older. I remember that Nan was always happy to see me. Donna, my aunt, and I are only a year apart and more like sisters. I spent a lot of time at Nan’s house. I remember her warming a brick in the oven, wrapping it in cloth and carrying it upstairs to place under the covers at the foot of the bed. Then Donna and I laughing, running, to be tucked into bed with our cold noses peeping out from under the covers and our toes warmed by the brick. Nan’s house was home to any and all of us. The door was always open to family and friends alike; to eat, to sleep, to have fun or just to sit and talk. I remember Nan was always busy cooking, baking or knitting and taking care of everyone. But mostly, I remember her jolly laugh, the kind of laugh that comes from deep inside. Nan had a large family of fourteen and lots of love to go around. I can not ever remember having heard her once complain. In more recent years when I have looked back, I recognize just how kind, giving and accepting she truly was. I appreciate very much her positive outlook on life. I was never forgotten and always a part of her thoughts. The wool socks and mitts followed me throughout my entire life, just as the love that went into every stitch that was made in their knitting. I still am wearing the last pair that she knitted for me. Though they are wearing thin in places, and I keep them for special moments, they will always be a comforting reminder of her gigantic heart filled with love. When I last visited Nan, I felt saddened to see that her illness was taking its toll, but with a warm hug and kiss, I followed her lead. She was always so happy to see me, with her ever-ready joke and the sound of her laughter. That is what I will remember most; her contagious laughter. I have thought of that sound many times throughout my life. Though I know life was not always easy for her, she found a reason to laugh. It represents all that is positive, kind, giving, caring and loving. Nan will always be that to me. She is watching over us now in a happy place where time has no meaning. Her laughter will always remain with me here, in my heart. Nan, you have given me, your first-born grandchild, a most precious gift that will live on. I wish to be able to do all that for my own grandchildren and hope they will remember with such fondness. With thoughts, it is always good to bring a warm, loving glow that wraps around like a hug, even when you are not physically there. I only hope that I can someday touch someone in the same way that you have touched my heart. Taken from my book “Shedding The Cocoon, Therapeutic Pen-Craft” by Sharon Goulding-Collins Do any of you Newfoundland Webbers have a story to share? I would love to hear it!
Posted on: Wed, 08 Oct 2014 22:58:17 +0000
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