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In MemoriamMyrian Vivienne Dempster (nee Paterson)* 2 January 1925 + 31 August 2015 |
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My mother loved rain, and more particularly the kind that falls in the Western Province where she grew up. She also loved the mountains, and must have enjoyed growing up at the foot of the Hottentots Holland range that forms the backdrop for False Bay. When she married my Dad, she left all that behind in exchange for Bloemfontein, where at least there were hills. However most of her adult life was spent in the Northern Free State, a mostly flat place where the rain was often preceded by a dust storm, and then some serious thunder and lightning. Something she did not enjoy and never got used to. Now she is gazing down on these storms, at peace, and I am sure that there is a smile on her face.
I guess I could go on forever telling stories relating to the memories that I, Trish, Edith, Dave, Bruce and and everyone else who knew her, would like to share. I have no doubt that many of these will be told, some of them many times. There is however one memory that I would like to share now. It relates to an occasion when I visited Welkom towards the end of Shirley's life, and when I woke up early in the morning and found her sleeping on the floor next to Shirley's bed. When I suggested to her that she should not be doing that, her reply was, "How could I not do that, she is my daughter".
So here we are Mom, back in the Free State to lay you to rest next to Dad, and not far from Shirley. Also among the many memories, some not so good, but over time predominated by the many happy times we shared here. Here in the mining community where you where a constant servant, not only of your maker, but also of your family. Your contribution was huge, and the debt we owe you huge. We have all come a long way from the days when we used to wait for a box of apples from Elgin in the Western Cape to arrive on a goods train at the Allanridge station in the Northern Free State.
You were strong, stronger than most, and you lived long, longer than most. But more than that, you were loving, more loving than most, and always ready to laugh.
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