Edith's Passing

I have written this book mainly from memory (with a few promptings along the way) so if my memory differs from yours I hope you will forgive me, As an example of how ones memory can play tricks; for some time I was sure that the Napier earthquake occurred just days after we had spent our holiday there, until something made me stop and think and check. In reality, a whole year had elapsed between the two incidents. 

With the passing of Edith on September 15, 2003, just a week before her 84th birthday, the occupation of Okoropong, as it had been all those years, came to an end. I really must record my thanks to Ruth and Melville for their help and care of her, especially in the last year of her life, and now, in the difficult and not always pleasant task of sorting out and dealing with all those years of accumulated belongings, treasures and rubbish, you have our thanks and admiration Ruth.   

With the necessity of a hip operation and then the loss of her driving license Edith’s doings were very much restricted and she really hated having to rely on others to get places.  When her hip operation didn’t result in her being able to walk freely she was more reliant on Ruth and Melville and a few friends and also the aids from the hospital.  She was really grateful that these people made it possible for her to remain in her own home, and especially that Ruth’s willingness to come and feed hens and cats, that they too could remain.  Her inability to do anything in her garden really distressed her too and eventually she acquired a raised garden that was a challenge and a delight to her. Unfortunately she only saw it begin to flourish but now I enjoy its vegetables and interest.