Patricia Ann Winter

‘DON'T THINK OF IT AS DYING,' said Death. ‘JUST THINK OF IT AS LEAVING EARLY TO AVOID THE RUSH. -Terry Pratchett, "Good Omens" & "Reaper Man" Grandma passed away last night. I'm speechless due to the unexpected and fast nature of what happened. She got sick, she recovered, got sick again, recovered again, until she fell asleep and passed on to become new forms, new things, quietly in her sleep. She was a great influence on me and always pushed me to embrace a Travelling spirit, proud of me leaving home to discover new people, new experiences, new languages. She pushed me to become better as a kid, believing in me when I didn't believe in myself. She was also the most progressive person in our family and held true to her intersectional feminist values until the end. She believed in people's kindness but was shrewd and intelligent. She was stubborn, but that too has its place in a family, when a resilient attitude is needed to overcome challenges. All in all, thank you grandma for being yourself. I'll eat steak and kidney pie in your honour tonight