Some words to say for my Nan?

This article continues  the question and answer series, focussing on words to say for at grandmothers funeral. Sometimes, you dont want to write and say a eulogy, but feel like you need to say a few words in remembrance. Here our readers discuss some advice on what to say.

 
I feel like I want to say some words at my nans funeral but I’m not too sure if I will have the courage to get up there or not.

My mum, dad and nanna went on holiday for 2 weeks to the dominican republic and on the last day in the middle of the night my nanna passed away, my mum and dad were with her but it was very sad and unexpected. I especially wanted to say a few words to my mum and dad to thank them so much for being with her and tell them that I am so proud of them.

Anyway the words that have come to me are:

“Words cannot explain how I feel right now, Nanna touched everyone’s lives in a special way and when we grieve today we will all come together with the memories we have of her.”

“I would like to take this moment to thank two very special people, Mum and Dad. I want to thank you for giving Nanna such a wonderful last 2 weeks and I think everyone here today finds it easier to cope knowing what a fabulous time she had with you. I’m so proud of you both for being able to cope in such a horrible situation and I’m thankful that you were both there with her in her final moments.”

I feel like I need to write some more about my nan etc. I know that someone else like the priest will do the eulogy and I don’t think I’d have the courage to talk for that amount of time. I was the closest granddaughter to her and I feel for some reason that I should say something.

Response from Sarah

My grandmother also died quite unexpectedly the other day and her funeral is friday. Like you, I am the oldest grandchild and need to say something. I think we must celebrate her life, for a good things have happened to our family. I think we must talk about the great times we have shared, because I believe that is what my grandmother would have wanted.
We share the pain that you cannot explain, and now I know how others feel, when they have lost someone close.

I think you are onto the right track by starting with those words. You could maybe explain how she was so important to you, are there any specific things that come to mind when you think of her?

Response from Adina 

It sometimes helps to remember that your Nan was your age once, and to think of everything she lived through and everything she achieved.

Hope this poem helps.

Grandma, you were just a girl,
So many years ago.
You had your loves and had your dreams,
You watched us come and go.

You watched us make the same mistakes,
That you had made before,
But that just made you hold us tight,
And love us all the more.

We haven’t always thought about
The things that you have seen.
To us you’ve just been ‘Grandma’,
No thought of who you’ve been.

But we remember now in love,
Your life from start to end,
And we’re just glad we knew you,
As Grandma, and as Friend.

Poem with an unknown author