RANDPARK PRIMARY SCHOOL, SPRING DAY, 2010

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!!!

Each year in early spring, the parents of RANDPARK PRIMARY SCHOOL send their young charges to school with armfulls of flowers for their annual "Spring Day" and

SPRING DAY ASSEMBLY.

Each year too, these floral gifts are destined to bring cheer to some of our senior citizens in the large city of JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA.

I always feel so honoured to be part of the team which transports these gifts to their recipients.

As an ex-parent of this wonderful school, I know what it is like to have to procure these flowers for this special day. 

Parents generously take time out of their busy lives to specially purchase these flowers and sometime it is also an unbudgeted expense and an added pressure.

 

But over the years, I have come to to understand the immense joy it brings to both the old folk and the children alike. For some of these recipients, it is one of the few times, during the year, that they feel the love of a stranger. They spend hours staring at the flowers and reading the notes from the little children whom they have never met.  They are always deeply touched!

For the children too, it is important to see where their gift is going.  These opposing generations are so enriched by the entire day and this wonderful gesture of care!!!

So, on behalf of those old people who are unable to tell you themselves, I would like to say:

THANK YOU!!!

...Thank you to the parents, the children and the staff of

RANDPARK PRIMARY SCHOOL

for your generosity and your love...

(Some of the hand-made cards which were made by the children and which were handed out to the residents of Fairland Village)

For me, as one of the sideline observers, it is so encouraging to witness the love which is so openly displayed...

Here are some more pictures of the day...

The Spring Assembly...

Thank you again to the children, their generous parents and the Principal and staff of

RANDPARK PRIMARY SCHOOL

...and a special "Thank you!" also to

Mrs Mol (the music teacher)

who made this day possible!

With love and appreciation

"MAXMOM" in SOUTH AFRICA

TIME TICKS ON...

TIME TICKS ON...

a Lick, a Pat, a curl of the Ear.

a Look, a Nod, a silent tear.

Head on Paws, wag of Tail,

Eyelids heavy, Body frail.

lumpy grief, stuck in throat,

unshed drops, hardly afloat.

makeshift beds, morbid scene.

Time ticks on, gently weaves

tapestry of life, death achieves.

Memories only, Essence gone,

buried Love, time ticks on...

Caryl Moll

May 2010

MEMORIAL SERVICE: MILLY POHL

Whilst funerals are generally sad occasions, they bring closure for many of the loved ones who stay behind.

My own Mom's funeral was held in November. She had a long life: spending 88 years in this world and 51 with me.

It is difficult to organise an event like this when you are grieving. My mom's funeral was that much more difficult since I was so close to her.

I tried to organise around the idea that her funeral should remind us of her and should provide the opportunity for many of us to find closure.

Today's post is primarily meant for the benefit of my family, but is also to say thank you for friends, across the globe, who have been my cyber-support-structure during this time. I am so immensely grateful for your love and support!

The photograph which we selected for the front of the order of service, was a photo taken last Christmas day. It was one of those special photographs - a moment captured in time - impulsively - when Mom was unaware. She was so happy that day. I had hoped that this would be the image which we would all remember - a happy person.

Flowers have somehow become my own way of expressing my grief. I need them to say something about that person.

I had chosen soft pastels for all the arrangements - since Mom was a gentle person. She loved beautiful things and especially flowers. I would often bring her small posies of flowers, from my garden, for her little room in her retirement village. She always expressed joy in receiving them.


At her funeral, I organised that the flowers in the vases be made up in 50 little posies (put together in the vases) which were later given to each resident at Mom's village. She would have loved that - a gesture of thanks for their friendship and love during her time there.


Mom's funeral was held at St Paul's lutheran church in Johannesburg - a church adjacent and connected to her retirement village.

I was initially really worried about the venue. Mom had spent most of her life in a small farming community away from city life. Elaborate, modern churches buildings don't quite reflect the intimacy with which I associate her. It is ironic that the church building at her funeral was small and intimate. Modern amenities of electronic sound systems, etc, were distinctly absent. Although this church is in a city, once you step inside, it feels like you are completely away from city life - in a place where you can find personal space for youself and your God.

The music was solely organ music...played on a magnificent old organ which took prime position in the loft of the sanctuary. Indeed, I don't think many of the congregants saw it...they merely heard it!

Some of you may know that Mom played the organ for many years at her local Anglican church in the little village of Duiwelskloof. So it was befitting that the music be traditional organ music.

The artwork on the beautiful stone alter was exquisite! - depicting recognisable biblical scenes.

Mom was a practicing Christian throughout her life.

Artwork reflecting biblical times was displayed throughout the sanctuary.

It was really beautiful!

The Church had really high walls - creating a cool environment inside the building.

The Crucifix in the front of the little church was also the artwork of one of the members of their congregation.

My cousin presented a moving eulogy and tribute to my mother. In words, he painted a picture of her life and her loves. He also read out some very touching tributes written by her 7 grandchildren.

Thank you, Doug, for being our strength at that time!

The service itself was traditional and comforting - and supported with hymns that my Mom was familiar with.

A number of family and friends travelled from far to be with us at this time.
We are so grateful for their participation, love and support.

MILDRED IRA POHL
25 May 1921 - 14 November 2009

(To Mom, with love)

I saw the dawn
on a sorrowful morn'
You were gone
and we were forlorn.

It was peaceful, painless,
you simply slept,
as we remained shocked
and silently wept.

Your life is done,
you'd certainly been whole.
You've gone to another place
to deliver your soul.

The memories I cherish,
it was meant to be.
Fly now, Mom...
At last you are free!

Caryl Moll

26 November 2009

Finally, I want to thank Ann for the magnificent bouquet of proteas which she gave me at the time. She might not know this, but proteas are a symbol of strength to me.

Thank you!


So....funerals, although a sad time, bring closure to many folk. My mother had a long and happy life. She loved her family immensely.

We will cherish her memory forever!