Saturday 14 March 2009

Old Post Card


I was in the garage this afternoon looking through some books which I have in storage and came across the above postcard - I had sent the card to my grandmother in 1993 not long after Nigel, Karl and I had returned from Bangladesh. The postcard informed her of our well-being, of Karl starting a new school and it concludes with me saying 'We think and remember you in our prayers'
Nanna was a very quiet, tiny and unassuming lady but now when I look back at her life Nanna was also quite a formidable woman for her era. Before she entered The Salvation Army Training College to become a Salvation Army Officer (minister) she had trained and worked as a nurse in King Georges Hospital, Ilford and she put both roles (Nurse & Minister) into practice when, alongside my Grandfather, they found themselves in India ministering for The Salvation Army in various hospitals during the 1930's - 1940's.

When my grandfather died at an early age - my Nanna went in charge of various Salvation Army Hostels and Eventide Homes, in the UK, before she retired at the age of 60 in the 1970's. It was at this point that she learnt to drive and had a little green mini with a white roof but not only that Nanna also went and learnt some basic car mechanics!! quite a lady.

I particularly remember my Nanna Partridge as being faithful in prayer and whenever she stayed with us, when I was still living at home, she would rise early so that she could have her morning devotions before the day would commence. After Nanna died my Auntie Margaret gave me Nanna's devotional book 'Streams in the Desert' and inserted in the page of the day that she went into hospital was the postcard that I had sent a few years earlier.

I have been looking for the card for sometime now and knew that it was tucked away somewhere safely!! so how ironic to find it in a book of prayer :) that would have made her smile.

17 comments:

My name is Riet said...

Such a lovely story. She was a wonderful person.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for visiting....lovely blog!

A Scattering said...

Didn't she have a lovely face! Sounds like she was a wonderful role model.

Loida of the 2L3B's said...

Nanna seemed like a caring person. You're such lucky to be a part of her life and known her during he lifetime.. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story my dear Judith.. Take care and hope your Sunday is worthwhile..

Lucy Mills said...

What wonderful memories - and how nice to come across the postcard when and where you did!

Lucy xx

PS thanks so much for your encouraging comments :)

Stevie said...

You are lucky to have had her in your life. Thanks for sharing your story.
Stevie

Cherdecor said...

Your Nanna was a beautiful lady inside and out.

Anonymous said...

Hi Judith, I have an award for you on my blog. Love you!

Anonymous said...

Your Nanna seems like she was such a special person. You were lucky to have her in your life. We need people like that to guide us and show us the way ♥ Thank you for sharing this heart felt post. I hope you have a lovely day!

Sue said...

Hello Judith,
What wonderful memories of your Nanna, and what a wonderful tribute to her, I was looking at her picture and thinking about how her eyes just twinkled!!! How blessed you were to have had her in your life, I too had a wonderful grandmother who loved the Lord and have wonderful memories as well. Thank you for sharing and again thank you for your visit and as always your very sweet words of encouragement.
Blessings,
Sue

Loretta said...

Judith, Nanna sounds like a wonderful person! How neat to find that card again.

SmilingSally said...

I guess it means that you should open that book more often.

Deanna said...

Judith thank you for sharing your Nanna with us. I like going back in time for a bit.

Deanna :D

Janet said...

Thank you for sharing your special memories of a wonderful woman. So glad you found the postcard ... makes the memories alive again! Have a wonderful week!

Rachelstimeout said...

What a lovely surprise to see a photo of a wonderful lady who was my Nanna too !

Judith said...

Hi Rachel - what a wonderful surprise :) now you need to start blogging!! love Judith

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

'Morning Judith,
Your grandmother sounds like she was quite a lady! A precious soul!
I'm so glad you have such lovely memories of her. Thank you for sharing your story of her life with us. Have a lovely day.

Blessings,
Sandi