Gail Lydia Banfield

It still does not feel real that you are gone. We all love you so very much, my sweet, precious Tannie. There are no words to explain how much you have meant to me, to us, to our children. You were the one who brought us all together. The family glue. The world is dimmer, the sun does not shine like it did when you were here. Just the other day we were giggling on the phone on your birthday. We had plans to create a recipe book together, and we should find that recipe of that beetroot chutney, and the aubergine pickles! ... but where was that recipe? You taught me so much. You taught me perseverance, self love, how to be a GIRL, educated me on classic movies, clean hair, tanned skin, Sugar Ray, the Beach Boys, VENGA boys, Cliff Richard, Johannes Kerkorrel! When I picture you now, I see you giving a little dancing wiggle, and start singing Barbara Ann, or Patricia the Stripper. You could surprise a person with your spontaneity, your simple and infectious love for life, the way you told a story. You were everything. I don't think I've ever seen you in the same swimming costume twice. That was just you though - bright, tanned, beautifully blonde, smiling, always with the sweeties in your bag at church, always having the people just gravitate towards you because you were just... Gail. You were our Sun, Tannie. I don't think I'll ever get over this deep ache in my body over the loss of you. I am grateful for everything you did for us. For all your support, for all your teachings, your love, your faithfulness, the fact that you never ever forgot about me. You still had a spare toothbrush at your house for me even after I hadn't been to your house for years. I am so very privileged to call you my Aunt. You were the best Auntie, friend, human. A FORCE to be reckoned with. I love you Gail. I miss you. Always. Lols