Goodbye Pa

Two weeks ago we got the call that my Grandfather was not doing so good and maybe we should head down. We went to see him in Rotorua hospital that evening. Most of the family were there as we were not certain how much time he had left. The next morning (Friday) we took him home to Taupo to be with him and care for him the remainder of his days. We had lots of good moments with him for the first few days he was home and he was in good spirits. He spoke to us, his grandchildren about different things. We had lots of family staying in the house and lots of visitors coming through the house. We drank lots of cuppa teas, we sang his favourite songs, we laughed, we cried, we got in each others spaces and faces, we fought we made up. It was good to be together through it. From about Tuesday onwards, Pa mostly slept as his body slowly lost the ability to communicate, although we knew his mind was still sharp and that he could understand us. Each night we would have Karakia (prayer time) and he would mouth Amen when he could.

Pa passed peacefully early hours of Saturday morning, we had him at home one night, and took him to the Marae for one night.

We don't often get the chance to say goodbye to loved ones, I'm glad I got spend some time with my Pa and say goodbye.

Pa pretending to eat Maia's foot

Pa and his youngest Great Grandchild Ngahaka Anetta-Maui Rolleston (My cousin Jamie's daughter)

Maia 9 months and Ngahaka 5 months old

Jalyn putting gel in Nathan's hair

Jalyn proud of her hairdressing skills, Nathan and Ruka not so sure!

One of the Sunny days we had

Dani mowing lawns in her bare feet

Getting the kids outside to play while the sun shines

After going stir crazy inside with some bad weather, we took the kids out to the park for the afternoon! Was good to get out!

Maia and Jamie

The Cuzzies and the Kiddies

Fish and Chips at the Lake

A bit of Texas Holdem between a couple of the Uncles and Cousins

Some of the Cousins at the Marae after saying goodby to our Pa

Maia and Nan having cuddles before we pack up and head home to Auckland, we were in Taupo for 11 days, it was a long time to be away from home but I'm glad we were there