Hamilton is also home to Jaron’s grandmother, whom Lil had an absolute fascination with and wouldn’t leave her side. Great-Grandma isn’t in the best of health as she suffers from dementia so it was sad to see her and not have her remember as much as she would have liked to. She still kept us in stitches though, with her blunt comments and witty humour! We were also lucky to meet up with Aunties, Uncles and cousins in Hamilton (and naughty me didn’t take many photos!)
Our next stop was New Plymouth, the old family stomping grounds. Here we visited with Great Uncle Harvey and Great Aunty Jill and enjoyed torrential rain for the two days we were there!
We also spent some time with Jaron’s grandfather and Uncle Grant and Aunty Leigh at their home.
On our way home, we stopped into the cemetery and visited graves of Grandad Dorman and other family members no longer with us.
On the way home from our roadtrip we had to stop at the famous Pokeno for an ice cream. This place has been around forever, the town has pretty much nothing in it except for a petrol station and two famous ice cream shops! Jaron had been dreaming talking about our visit way before our holiday and planned to get the biggest ice cream he could there – 12 scoops later…here he is! It was disgusting! But a total bargain – 12 scoops for $12!!!
Christmas morning came (and not quickly enough for these excited kiddos!) We opened presents from Santa before church, then went to church for an hour and listened to some very uplifting and inspiring messages.
We enjoyed a family walk along the beach in the evening, a perfect way to finish a lovely day.
How does one say goodbye to their best friend, soul mate and lover?
That, I do not know.
Yesterday was a special and sacred day. One in which I had the honour and privilege to stand amongst hundreds of sorrowful people, shed tears together, and remember Aaron King.
I’m going to miss that funny guy. The one who married my cousin 16 years ago. I remember going to their wedding reception as a 14 year old girl, excited to see my beautiful “big” cousin all dressed up as a bride. He was a quiet, shy guy back then. It didn’t take long for the real Aaron to emerge and I since have fond memories of him cracking joke after joke, always the funny guy…many of them at my expense. As much as I used to hate being called “Aunty Ann” I’d give anything to hear it one last time.
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I don’t know why Aaron was taken from this earth at such a young age of 39. I don’t know why Lisa has to re-map her life as a single mother of 3 energetic boys, only months after losing her 10 year old son. But I do know that what doesn’t make sense and seem fair now, will make perfect sense in the eternities. And while that certainly doesn’t make life any easier, it gives some hope that all will be okay in the end.
I do know that we need to hug those we love a little tighter. Don’t be afraid to say “I love you” and tell someone what they really mean to you. Life really is short, in some cases much to short. Our time here on earth must not be wasted, make the most of every day and live it as if it was your last.
How does one say goodbye to their best friend, soul mate and lover?
I still don’t know. I do know it is the most incredibly difficult, heart-wrenching and emotional roller-coaster of one’s life. And while I know the ride will not be over for a long, long time, I am so proud of Lisa and her boys and know that they will get through this. One day at a time, as each tear is slowly replaced with faint smiles and memories of a husband and son, a father and brother that will forever be by their side.
(A fund has been set up for Lisa and her boys to raise money to help them get through the next months as they work through the pain they are feeling now. Although no amount of money will erase the pain they are feeling, I know that not having any financial pressures over the coming months will help them immensely. If you would like to do something to help, please go here to donate. I am in awe every time I check the page and read the sweet messages from friends and strangers all over the world. Thankyou x 100 for your kindness and generosity. We DO live in a good world!)
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| (King family motto…by Leanne) |
Yesterday my sweet cousin, Lisa lost her soul mate and best friend.
