Our Goodbyes 

Marlee, Heather and Monica Dunlop say their goodbyes to their great-grandmother, Nanny Merle (Merle Anderson, Perry’s grandmother). 

Each of the girls wrote their goodbyes.  They were to be read at Nanny Merle’s funeral Saturday 24 May 2008.  Due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control the letters unfortunately didn’t get there on time.  I do believe Nanny Merle knew the sentiments and heard the words. 

 Marlee 

Dear Nanny, 

 I wish I could be there and I wish Dad could be there for you too. I love you and I'm sorry about not being able to see you for such a long time. 

That doesn't mean that I haven't thought of you or all the other people I had to leave behind, but

at least now I can talk to you wherever and whenever I want to. 

So much of what my Father says or does to make me smile comes from his innate sense of humour that I think came from you! T

hank you for that. 

Thank you for gramma and thank you for him too. 

I know that you had a big part in raising him to be the incredible Father, husband and brave man that he is today. 

Nanny, it seems that time is against us in every which way. I took all our visits for granted. 

I thought I would have all the time in the world to laugh with you again. You taught us that it all boils down to family, friends and peace.

 My favorite memories with you involve food, specifically, vanilla ice cream and Maple syrup! 

I remember playing house in the your basement. I was always the wife who got married off to one of my twin cousins. It was all good fun! 

Strange how we remember the little things in life that now somehow seem like a dream. 

Nanny, I love you and I know I'll be seeing you again in some way, shape or form. 

I believe that with my whole heart that you are out there watching over us now. 

I'm sure planet earth was just a pit stop for you on your way to somewhere special. 

Life is short and I'm so very happy that you stopped long enough to be a part of mine. I love you and will always love you. 

Until we meet again, 

Marlee Rose. 

PS.....the best is yet to come. 

Heather  

When I heard that Nanny's health was headed for the worst, I started to think about great childhood memories spent at her house out in Ingleside. On the weekends, my dad would drive us out to her house where Curby would meet us at the front door anxiously barking to let Nan know she had guests. Nan would always welcome us with open arms. I would always look forward to her homemade pickles! The sweet ones were my absolute favourite. Sarah and I would sneak down into the cellar and open up a jar, sit there laughing until we finished the entire thing.  

Looking back on it now I'm sure Nan knew exactly what we were up to.  

I loved the smell of her house, the vanilla ice cream, the endless supply of maple syrup and the fact that she would let me drink my body weight in Coke.  

I'm so sorry that I'm not able to be there today with the family and celebrate the fantastic woman Nan was.  

Speaking to my dad this week was very emotional because he so desperately wished to see Nan before she passed away. From what my dad has told us she was always a huge part of his life from the time he was a child.  

I would like to think that the reason my dad is able to remain so strong under such pressure is because of the strong, determined women who helped raise him into the terrific, courageous man he is today. So thank you Nan, without you I'm not sure my dad would be able to do what he's doing.  The stories I've heard about Nan have made me laugh, cry and hope that I will be able to be as independent  as she proved to be.  You will be missed  by many Nan, I'm sending hugs and kisses to meet you at the gates of Heaven.  

I love you.  

Heather.

Monica  

Thank you so much for coming today to celebrate my great-grandmother's life. 

I don't remember much of Nanny Merle as a child, but I've always known of her love, spunk and attitude.

I do know that she raised wonderful children, like my Gramma Heather who I adore. My dad loved Nanny Merle and they were always very close. Even though he didn't get the chance to see her before she left, she knew of his admiration for her. Now she will be able to give my dad support in a different way.  

I do remember going to Nanny's house and having her treat me to ice cream and maple syrup. She always let me drink all the Coca-Cola I wanted! I wish I'd had more time to get to know Nanny as a person. She followed my parents through their troubles and remained a steady piller of support. She was careful to pay attention to all of her grandchildren and gave everyone of us all complete affection and love.  

Nanny, thank you for being such a wonderful friend and great grandmother to my sisters and I. I know you will watch over me and always be protecting me. Thank you for being such an amazing person. You will be dearly missed by all who knew you.  

I love you,  

Monica