The Beautiful One...

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I knew a strong woman once. A woman who was brave. A woman who was larger than life. A woman who stood her ground. I knew a beautiful, elegant woman once, and it is because of her that I write this today.
My Grandmother would have celebrated her birthday today. And although she has not been around for almost 8 years now, today I miss her terribly. I miss her like she has just left us. They say God picks his most beautiful flowers first, I do not know if we say this just to console ourselves, I guess we do, but one thing know, Rosalie was definitely one of His most beautiful flowers.
The day before she died, she asked us to do her hair. She always looked amazing, even on an off day. I recall her saying that she had no concept of time; it did not worry me much, since she was happy and lively when she left our home that day. Little did I know it would be the last day I saw her. And so, the following day, on my sister’s birthday and a day before my birthday, my Ouma left us to be with her Maker. It was a day filled with a lot of pain and deep sadness, for things would never be the same again.
I have fond memories of her; so many that I could write dozens of books. One that stands out is the day the South African soccer team played against Cape Verde. The evening after the game, my Aunt hosted a dinner for the Cape Verde team. Now my Gran saw my cousin and I eyeing the players, then suddenly out of nowhere, she walks towards us with the two guys we had an eye on, introduces them to us and says ‘these are my grand-daughters, talk to them, look after them and make sure they get home safe’, then she turns to my cousin and I and says ‘you’re slow’, hahaha! She always told us, at the rate we’re going, we are going to be sitting on the shelf gathering dust for the rest of our lives, with no man. That’s just who she was. And although she gave us so much stress at times, she filled our lives with so much joy.
I could go on and on about her. I could tell you hundreds of stories. Funny stories, sad stories, inspiring stories, all about my Ouma. But today, all I want to tell you is this: Rosalie Nel was a precious gem. She was loved by many. She was a woman who made many mistakes, but also learned from them and made up for them. She spoke with conviction. She gave to those who lacked and she loved dearly. My Ouma was a pillar of strength. And today, I remember her fondly. Although there is sadness in my heart, I am happy because I was given a chance to know her and to spend time with her. She left this earth a day before I turned 20. I am now a 27 year old woman and with each passing day, I see some of her in me and it makes me smile.
So although there are tears in my eyes today, I smile too, because I had the privilege of knowing a great woman once. I knew a woman who loved with all she had, a woman who did not have barrels of money, but was worth more than all the gold and diamonds that money can buy. And today, I would like to thank her for being who she was. Because of her, we are. She has inspired us to do many things.
I love you Ouma Rosa, you will forever be in my heart Beautiful One.

Take Care

Miss Stone

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