A TRIBUTE

I've been posting updates from our recent travels which were curtailed in early May when we rushed

back from Western Australia to see my Mum who had become suddenly ill and sadly passed away a few days after our return. She was 88 and had lived a full and mostly happy life. We miss her greatly. 

I don't think I ever told her but in a round about way she was one of the main reasons I became interested in birds and subsequently, nature in general. You see, she and Dad loved their cuppas and one day she tried out a brand of leaf tea that came with an Australian bird card to collect. A beautiful illustration on one side and some pertinent facts on the other. None of my siblings were remotely interested but I was and she must have noticed my interest. That was her tea of choice from then on and over the years as a young boy I collected three albums of these wonderful gems. I still have them over 40 years later. Thanks Mum!  

Grietje Kooistra 1923 - 2012

I wrote this poem as a tribute to my beloved Mother.

A TRIBUTE TO MUM

It’s hard to say in words

Our feelings for you Mum

You know that we loved you

And now this day has come

We remember you with fondness

Your loud and hearty laugh

The smile that brightened up the room

Even when times were rough

Tough as nails you were too

And stubborn as a mule

You said it like you saw it

And did not suffer fools

You didn’t mind a smoke or two

And really enjoyed a party

Days of Our Lives your favourite show

Nothing too arty-farty

You often craved your sweet treats

And loved your bikkies and tea

Baked your famous honeycake

To share with everybody

 You were such a house-proud mother

Worked hard to raise six kids

Stood by Dad through thick and thin

Loved us no matter what we did

The family were your pride and joy

You nurtured us for years

And helped us through our lives

With all our hopes and fears

You suffered many torments Mum

Dementia, depression and cancer

But your humour always shone through

It seems you had the answer

Maybe you were down to earth

But we know you believed in heaven

Your faith in God was very strong

You’ll be with him, that’s a given

It’s time for us to let you go

May your spirit soar high and free

We know you’ll be in a peaceful place

That we cannot yet see