Who’s Who in Orangeblossom’s Zoo (continued The Grandparents)

Grandpa and Granny Lappin (Archie and Kathleen)

My dad’s parents were born in Belfast, Ireland and eloped to South Africa. They couldn’t have been more Irish, even their accent didn’t waver through the years. My friends would often have to ask me to interpret what was being said to them! My granny passed away from ill health and my grandpa passed away soon after, he was battling lung cancer. I often think of them, and all the goodness and purity that surrounded them. My grandpa was so intelligent and worldly – he could tell you just about anything about everything. He was a man who knew a little about a lot of things. He was like a walking encyclopedia, a fountain of knowledge and wisdom. My granny was possibly the sweetest women ever, and she was so vibrant, doing yoga and tap dancing in her eighties! She was a diamond. I miss them greatly, but I carry their spirits with me, always.

“Always remember to forget
The things that made you sad.
But never forget to remember
The things that made you glad.
Always remember to forget
The friends that proved untrue.
But never forget to remember
Those that have stuck by you.
Always remember to forget
The troubles that passed away.
But never forget to rememberThe blessings that come each day.”
~ an Irish blessing

Grandad and Gran Lang (James and Yoland)

My mom’s parents grew up and lived mostly in Natal, South Africa. I remember when we used to take yearly trips up to Durban, we would visit Gran and Granddad Lang in Pietermaritzburg. They had a fabulous coffee shop that we used to practically spend all our time, tasting all the delights of their cooking and baking. Welsh Rarebits and Scones! When our boy cousins were up – we used to take over the place and Granddad use to pick us up by our ears, much to our glee and delight! My granddad passed away a few years ago, and it always saddens me that I never got to know him better. He always had a smile on his face and he was like this gentle giant that had a heart of gold. My Gran is the most wonderful and elegant women – she is a spirit of great faith. I can listen to her talk for ages about books, gardening, cooking, art, her travels and her life experiences. She is very “old school” and I love that she still holds true to all her ideals and beliefs, through all the passing years. Even though she is going through a difficult time right now, I hope she knows that I send my love to her always.