Jean McKinlay

To tell you the truth I am having a hard time putting all my gran's good traits into writing. No matter how hard I try, I can never do justice to what she overcame or who she was in her lifetime. I know that many people are grieving today for we all lost a great lady. But I know wherever she is now she’s happy and contented with what she left us and honored to have been in our lives just as much as we were glad that we were part of hers.

She was a mother, a sister, a grandmother, great-grandmother and a friend. I’m sure each and every one of us has something to share on how my grandmother touched your life. She shared a lot of good memories, especially with me, her favorite grandchild (HaHa). We shared lots of things together and she was one of my favorite mentors. I always enjoyed our times together, like when we would go the the Bingo hall. For some or even most of you, you may think this is not fun, but when I watched her play, it was not only incredible to see her stamp 20 cards at once, but the luck of winning was always with her. I think sometimes I can still hear her yell, "Bingo".
My grandmother was a very strong woman and she usually got her way. Maybe that’s one quality I got from her. She was also a very good adviser. I personally would seek her advice when I could before I’d go to my parents. We always had short and long talks when she would come to visit. Even if I didn’t finish what I wanted to ask her, she always seemed to have the anwser I needed. She was also the kind of person but more then that, there was a light and special energy that you would not understand unless you have met her. I think in her way she was able to show us how important we all were to her. We may no longer see her but we’ll always have these special moments we shared with her. She will always have a special place in our hearts. Let’s just be thankful that we knew a special lady like my grandmother.

In 1994 my grandmother and I wrote a poem together. She also had me write something from her to her daughters. She asked me to hold onto this until it was time. This was a secret between my Gran and me that I swore I would hold till after she passes. I have held up my promise and now it is time to give what she asked of me. I have held this writing close to my heart for 14 years.



Don't fret upon my passing
I've lived a long and satisfying life
I have raised three beautiful daughters
and had a very good life.
My stories will live on forever
because I live within all of you
so wipe away those weeping tears
and remember I love each and every one of you
On this day of mourning and years ahead to come
this day should be of celebration
remembering all the fun we had
for I have always cherished my life
and all I ask is that you do the same
So please do not fret upon my death
we’ll be together again someday,
But I had to go on with out you,
So please lift your head up high, never let it
Hang in shame.
I leave all of my loved ones with one small request
Live each day like you meant it, and strive to be the best.
Please watch over all my loved ones!

To my daughters:
Dinna greet like that
Sae clear in memory's eye
And remember:
May the best you’ve ever seen
Be the worst you’ll ever see;
May the mouse ne’er leave your pantry
Wi’ a teardrop in its e’e!
May your hum keep blithely reekin’
Till you’re auld enough to dee;
May you aye be just as happy
As I wish you aye to be!