Celebrating a grand life: thank you Grandma Hurley for all your love and kindness

Life has been been a little melancholy lately as my family comes to terms with losing our beautiful Grandma, also known to my little tribe as Grandma Hurley. Grandma was a truly grand lady in all regards, she was wickedly funny, caring, a fantastic cook and baker, incredibly good at creating things (her knitted layettes were absolutely beautiful). She was in every way a treasure. Caring for her friends and family by spending time helping, cooking big family meals, baking cakes and biscuits (gingernuts that could crack a tooth!), making endless cups of tea,  creating beautiful keepsakes (those beautiful knitted bonnets and booties - *sigh*) to mark the passing of big milestones. Grandma's way was generous in spirit, and always kind. She was also one tough, resilient lady. Over her 88 years, she took on so much, raising kids, taking care of family, running a farm and a pub, dealing with loss and pain along the way. When I heard the news from my lovely Mum, I made the trek across Australia, wending my way via a couple of flights and a drive in the country to be with my big sometimes crazy/fun family. I didn't realise as I headed across that this would also be a time of celebration and sharing. Don't get me wrong, I've been so, so sad, hit by waves of almost uncontrollable grief, but I'm also filled with a sense of pride in how many lives my Grandma touched. It's a timely reminder for me to keep focussing on the good, treat my friends and family with kindness, and of course, keep on baking! Enjoy xx