Gail Watson

Dear Aunty Gail,

Your father (Papa Jack O’Grady) is my Grandmothers (Doreen O’Grady) brother . During the recent Xmas holidays (2024) we got to spend some time together at Peachaven. I always wanted to reconnect with you when I was in Invercargill with my In-laws the Williams whanau along Highfield terrace, as it was nice to connect to my Grandmothers true blue O’Grady whakapapa……..so to know that you were staying just through the walk way of Highfield terrace near Peachaven….. I just had to be a hohā…..I wanted to see you since our last encounter was when Uncle Allan was alive up at the whare. I was sad to have missed you when I went back to Peachaven to bring your wine, as I had promised you. Then to hear you had been in hospital…I was flying out the next day and time got away on me, so I left your wine and some Riverton winning shortbread (baked by my mother in law) on the dresser, excited to know that you will finally be able to indulge in some bubbles…….I know albeit only a couple of hours we had together over that Xmas season, we smiled and laughed at each other….. it took me back to the time Nan Doreen was alive….. I loved every minute….i missed her in that moment, but you were there and my sad thought of my Nan disappeared…… knowing that I was blood related made our connection so much like home here along the East Coast , Te Tairawhiti where my Nana Doreen is buried. I know Uncle Allan will be so happy to see you, as two soul mates can only be apart for so long….. I am glad you have all your tamariki near you now and your grandchildren will carry your whakapapa with pride. I will miss having whanau to visit next time I come to Invercargill, so I hope that your children and I get to meet one day so we can ensure to maintain whakapapa ties and not become strangers now that we are the legacy of our ancestors , the legacy of the O’Grady whakapapa. May you rest in eternal peace Aunty…… I will miss your smile and presence. Forever in my heart Aunty xoxoxx RIL AROHANUI Trei Crawford xoxoxox