My Inspiration, My Role Model, My Nan

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I had another blog post planned for today, but I thought instead I would write something about my nan. I always like to keep a positive light here on my blog, but my family and I lost the most beautiful person in the world (inside and out) this morning and I wanted to share how much of an inspiration she was to everyone.

I’ve always referred to my nan as Nanny Karyl ever since I was little and she’s been one of the biggest inspirations in my life. She was diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis) many years ago, before I was born, and the doctors never expected her to make it to 50, but there she was at the age of 74, still fighting and enjoying life in every way she possibly could.

She had been in and out of hospital for a few years with infections and problems, and we were never sure if she would be strong enough to make it through, but she always somehow managed to, to everyone’s surprise. She was a warrior, a fighter, a true strength. In no way did she deserve everything she went through, but it always seemed to make her that much stronger and that much more inspirational. She’s my hero and always will be.

There’s not one bad memory I have of my nan and if you asked me for a time that I’ve seen her upset or down about her condition, I couldn’t name one. She was the nicest, kindest, most caring person I had ever met (much like my Grampy Ron who passed away a few years ago) and her strength has been one of the biggest inspirations in my life. If my nan could go through what she did everyday with her MS and be so happy, positive, and funny, then dealing with my problems, which seem minor in comparison, was a breeze. She was a true role model.

Nanny Karyl was one of those people that everyone loved, everyone wanted to be around, and everyone would go out of their way to help, just to be around her. If you met her, you always left smiling, and you could count yourself lucky to have been in her presence. She radiated positivity and always took an interest in everyone’s lives – she was entirely selfless. I would visit her and my Grampy Dave regularly to show them what new things I had purchased, as well as all of my blog photos as she loved what I was doing with my life and was incredibly supportive. It still makes me smile that at 74 (and 80 for my Grampy Dave), they know what blogs are!

She and my Grampy Dave (who is just as lovely, kind, and supportive) always understood my illness and always checked on how I was, to make sure I was ok, and anytime I wasn’t able to go out and see them both, it wouldn’t matter as time was never an issue. I always felt like my connection with Nanny Karyl was much deeper than just a physical one and we could just sit quiet, smiling at each other and understand each other. Her energy was one that I connected with so strongly as she was exactly like me and even by her bedside a couple of days ago, just holding her hand, I felt safe.

I know that now, even though she isn’t in her physical form anymore, she will still be with me, my Grampy Dave, and my family at all times. She was an angel here to protect my family and look after us all, and now I know she’s an angel that’s so wonderful she’s going on to bigger and better duties to look after more people. I love you Nanny Karyl and always will you be in my heart and my life. You have helped shape me into the person that I am today and I’m very proud of that. I’m very lucky and proud to be a part of the Burford family. Lorna xx.

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26 Comments

  1. ali
    January 15, 2017 / 5:07 pm

    What a lovely lovely lady and wonderful post about a truly inspirational lady, my thoughts are with you Lorna and all of your family xx

    • Lorna
      Author
      January 15, 2017 / 5:19 pm

      Thank you so much, ali. She was amazing xx.

  2. January 15, 2017 / 5:13 pm

    This is such a beautiful post and tribute to your nanny! I’m very sorry for your loss Lorna. I too believe she will always be with you as you travel the many roads of your life. God bless. ❤️

    • Lorna
      Author
      January 15, 2017 / 5:19 pm

      Thank you so much, John. I really appreciate that ❤️

  3. waldherrro
    January 15, 2017 / 7:23 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss! Your Nan seemed to be a lovely person and the way you always speak about here, I can see how important she was for you. I totally agree with you, she will always be with you even if you can’t see her. I promise you will feel her energy when you need it the most and expect it the least. Take your time to heal and know we are all here with you and sending you good energies!

    xoRosie // Rosie’s Life

    • Lorna
      Author
      January 15, 2017 / 7:58 pm

      Thank you so much for your kind words, Rosie, I appreciate that xx.

  4. January 15, 2017 / 7:27 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss, Lorna – for you and also for the rest of your family too.

    I’m glad that you have so many happy memories of you times with her – indeed that all of your memories are happy ones. I know that she’ll remain a great inspiration to you throughout your life. 🙂 It’s wonderful that she understood your work and was so supportive of you. 🙂 I think I see where at least some of your own determination, positive attitude and kindness come from.

    Love to you and all of your family. xxx

    • Lorna
      Author
      January 15, 2017 / 7:58 pm

      Thank you so much, Steven 🙂 I really appreciate that 🙂

  5. January 15, 2017 / 10:43 pm

    Lorna, I feel the love you had/have for your grandmother… she seemed like an incredibly wonderful woman who was so inspirational in your life. I am so sorry for the loss of your nan to you and your family… I am glad that you know she will be with you always xox

    I lost my grandmother when she was 73, she and I were very close too… I talked to her daily and did all of her errands to make things easier for her. I was the one who found her and it was very sad… I too believe she is always with me and my family xox

    • Lorna
      Author
      January 15, 2017 / 11:32 pm

      Thank you so much, Launna. I’m sorry you lost your nan too, but it’s always lovely to have someone like that in our lives that play a huge role and shape us into the people we are, both in spirit and in physical form. I really appreciate your lovely words xx.

    • Lorna
      Author
      January 16, 2017 / 2:03 am

      Thank you, Amy xx.

  6. January 16, 2017 / 1:42 am

    I’m glad you have these precious memories. Sometimes it’s hard to deal with the loss, but those memories will keep you smiling. Thanks for sharing your family pictures.
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    • Lorna
      Author
      January 16, 2017 / 2:03 am

      Thank you for your kind words xx.

  7. Idu Emeziem
    January 16, 2017 / 4:47 am

    Oh Lorna. I’m so sorry for your loss. Your nan sounds like she was so kind and amazing. Know that she’ll always watch over you. Pls accept my condolences. Sending up prayers for you and your family.

    http://www.fashionablyidu.com/

    • Lorna
      Author
      January 16, 2017 / 12:16 pm

      Thank you so much, Idu xx.

  8. Nancy
    January 16, 2017 / 11:42 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. I loved my grandmother dearly and she was very important to me, so I feel for you.

    • Lorna
      Author
      January 16, 2017 / 12:17 pm

      Thank you, I’m sorry you lost your gran too xx.

  9. January 16, 2017 / 6:34 pm

    How wonderful to have such an inspirational person to help guide you through life. Even though your nan has passed, her inspiration will flourish.

    Take it easy girl!


    Amber
    All the Cute

    • Lorna
      Author
      January 16, 2017 / 8:03 pm

      Thank you so much, Amber xx.

  10. trulymadlydeeplyfashion
    January 16, 2017 / 9:47 pm

    Lorna I’m so sorry for your loss. Nanny Karyl was clearly an amazing person, and it’s lovely that you had such a close bond. It’s clear from your post that you were real kindred spirits. I hope she’s in a better place now. I had one such figure in my life as well, up until I was 23, and I believe that person is with me still.

    My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. It’s always hard to go through a big loss like this, but I find it always helps to remember the positive things, and continuing to talk about that person to keep their memory alive.

    Sending you a big hug.

    Saba xx

    http://www.trulymadlydeeplyfashion.blogspot.com

    • Lorna
      Author
      January 16, 2017 / 11:05 pm

      Thank you, Saba. That’s really kind of you. I’m sorry you lost someone close to you too, it’s never easy at all. Their memories are always kept alive and positive xx.

      • trulymadlydeeplyfashion
        January 17, 2017 / 10:16 pm

        Thank you so much Lorna. I find it helps to look at things that way. It was really great to see the family photos you’ve shared here (I remember them from your past birthday post.) I just wanted to say I’m thinking of you and I hope you’re doing ok. xx

        • Lorna
          Author
          January 18, 2017 / 2:29 am

          Thank you so much xx.

  11. January 20, 2017 / 5:57 pm

    Beautiful story Lorna. What an amazing role model your nanny id. It is really moving, my aunt had MS too and she passed about a year ago. Make sure you remember all the wonderful memories of her.

    • Lorna
      Author
      January 21, 2017 / 1:27 am

      Thank you, her memories will definitely always be with us!

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