A new life

Scarlett Rose the day she was born

Joyful news at last!  On July 26, a new grand-daughter was born to great excitement and I share this amazing family event in two articles – Sweet Scarlett Sweeps Sadness Aside and an emotional piece Grief, Joy – a Strange Emotional Mix.   I am now one year older and my own “Joyeux Anniversaire’’ triggered yet another cauldron of emotions captured in Big Family, Birthday Fun.  A dozen bare-rooted rose cuttings arrived in the mail and herald the beginning of Olivier’s Memorial Garden. In Roses to Bring Magic to Memorial Garden, I write about “colouring in’’ our garden, the bones of which we established together in the last six months of Olivier’s life.

Travellers’ Tales features the jottings of friends on Brittany,  Germany and Sweden and very soon there will be photographs attached!!   (I am a slow learner when it comes to posting photographs on my web, so Dyanna is here to help.) And keep an eye on Life and Style by Nadine Williams for snippets of news and pix.

 

One last thought, today – August 11 – marks three months since husband Olivier died. I am beginning to understand that grief is the price you must pay by living and loving someone who is pivotal to one’s happiness. However, what is helping me heal is a new awareness that my life is filled with beautiful people who, each in their own way, have swept me into their caring arms (involving me in their lives) creating pleasant experiences. Such as today when friends staved off a sad, lonely day by preparing a delightful home-made lunch washed down with a bottle of Jenneret Riesling from the Clare Valley.  Olivier and I sampled the wine during Vintage and bought a few bottles, so the memory of our holiday in the Clare Valley in February kept him in my heart today as we shared a meal.

 

Meanwhile, one last word of wisdom from the great Latin American writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez, who is retiring from public life due to serious illness – “If I would know that these would be the last minutes that I will see you, I would say to you “I love You ‘ and wouldn’t assume that you would know it.’’  On this day, I remember these were exactly the words I said to Olivier, a moment before he died.

 

 

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7 Comments to “A new life”

  1. By Milly, 06/11/2012 @ 3:09 pm

    Hi Nadine,
    I don’t know if you remember me but my name is Milly Wise and I work in the library at The Advertiser, we used to chat a bit whenever I helped you out with an enquiry. I only just learned of your husband’s passing when I saw your story for Boomer a couple of days early. I am very sorry to hear your sad news but am glad to hear you are finding your way into a new phase of life. My heart goes out to you, and hope that time brings healing and happiness.
    Best,
    Milly

    • By LINDA PEEK, 07/11/2012 @ 5:17 pm

      Hi Nadine
      I don’t know if you remember me but we were at the Embassy at the time you met Olivier. I am pretty sure we met. I found your site when searching for the date that Maggie Beer came to cook for the Baudin bicentenary. I am writing a post for my blog (www.cafecat.com.au) about that occasion which will appear within the next week or so. Where are you living now? Email me – love to get in touch.

      • By nadine, 08/11/2012 @ 11:22 pm

        Hi Linda, I would love to keep in touch and shall contact you on email. Nadine

    • By nadine, 08/11/2012 @ 11:25 pm

      Hi Milly, How could I forget you? These are lovely words and I appreciate your compassion and condolences. Life has indeed been like wearing a black overcoat 24/7, but Spring is a new chapter … my mantra is a quote fronm Gibran “Accept the seasons of your heart and watch with serenity through the winters of your grief.” So, that’s what I am trying to do. I should have included that in my column shouldn’t i? xxx Nadine.

  2. By Mary Richardson, 09/11/2012 @ 11:06 am

    Hi Nadine,
    Oh how I can empathise with you after reading your column in “Boomer News”. I lost my husband in March this year to Brain Cancer aged 63 years. We had been married for 38 years worked long hours in our business retiring in 2008 to travel the world and enjoy our retirement. We had good health although Peter had PTSD due to war service but we had been through the tough times and had it managed and understoood. Then in May last year he had headaches as the only symptom of his cancer and was given 4-6 months. Dr. Charle Teo eventually operated and gave us an extension of time so Peter survived for 10 months. It is now eight months since he died and I agree there are so many different emotions to grieving. I too felt the loss of my identity as a wife and partner, my social life also changed. My saviour has been exercise, getting up at 6.30 each morning, this prevents me from burying myself in my bed for the day and also means I go to bed early avoiding the long lonely nights. I can now say I am moving on with my life with other plans and am able to have more control over those sad thoughts. Beautiful photo of your granddaughter, I was also blessed with a granddaughter in July this year. It does bring such joy.
    All the best with your journey

    • By nadine, 11/11/2012 @ 8:08 am

      Hello Mary, We are certainly on the same journey. I notice you live in the riverland. My father is in the nursing home up there and I am coming up in February. Perhaps we could meet. I will email you. Cheers, Nadine.

      • By Mary Richardson, 13/11/2012 @ 9:46 am

        Hi Nadine,
        Look forward to meeting you.
        Cheers Mary

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