Happy Times during our Sad Times

One of the things when living on another continent is when you get calls you don't want.

On Sunday afternoon, the 5th November, I skyped with my darling Grandmother as she was not doing too well after her hip operation.  She could not speak to me, but I was able to tell her that I loved her.  Then that evening I was told she is doing much better.  I was so glad to hear that.  Then off to work on Monday, but I was not feeling well so went home early.  And that was when I got the skype call to say that my Grandmother had passed on to a better place.  My heart was so very sore.

So Paul and I started looking for flights home to attend the funeral.  

Isn't it amazing that during the saddest times, when all family get together it becomes our happiest times.

We flew from China on Thursday and landed in South Africa on Friday.  It was so good to see my daughters again and the rest of our family.  But it was a quick hello in Johannesburg, and shopping for something to wear at the funeral, as we, Paul, myself and my daughters, flew down to Durban in the evening.  Again it was good to see Paul's mum and dad even though it was such a short time.

On the Ferry that took us to Hong Kong Airport.

At Hong Kong Airport waiting for our flight.

The funeral was the next day.  It was a very sad indeed.  Afterwards, we had tea and snacks and mingled with all the people that attended her funeral.

Then my Grans immediate family went out for lunch to catch up with each other and celebrate my Grans life.  These are the times we all remember the most.

Sending my Gran lots of love.

After lunch, we visited my mum and family at my twin sisters home.  Looking through old photos and reminiscing.  

Then we returned home to Paul's parents home and sat up speaking to them and catching up.  It was then an early morning as we flew back to Jhb on Sunday morning at 7am.  

Back in Jhb, we were already exhausted from all the travelling.  We spent Sunday at Sanchia and Anton's home.  We had a braai for all the family and we also met Kerry's boyfriend, Kyle, for the first time.  Must say I have never seen Kerry so nervous in my entire life.  Ha Ha.

Family Time

 

When in South Africa, you can't do without a braai.

A bit more relaxed.

Then Monday morning it was time to say our goodbyes again and back to the airport to fly back to China.  We landed back in China on Tuesday and had to be back at work on Wednesday. 

This early in HK airport.  No one in sight.

It was a bittersweet visit.

Keep reading and I will keep posting.