A Spring Afternoon with Oma

I have many cherished memories of my Oma, but one of my favourites is from my childhood. Oma would pick me up from Belvedere Parkway Elementry after school, and we would walk to her house to enjoy an afternoon tea party in her small kitchen. We would indulge in homemade cookies and sip from a fancy tea set, although my "tea" was simply water mixed with sugar.

After our tea party, we would move to the living room to play Dutch board games together. My favourite was a matching pair game that had been in her home since my dad was young. Even though I couldn't read or understand the Dutch text on the cards, the pictures still resonated with me and made the game very enjoyable. Afterwards, I would often station myself on her organ and attempt to play something, even though I have little musical talent. I can only imagine how terrible the sounds must have been to Oma as I unknowingly plucked away at the keys.

During our visits, the bright south-facing sun would shine into the living room, creating a warm and cozy feeling of love and happiness that I am reminded of every time I think of her.

When I think of my Oma, I envision spring and the beautiful seasonal changes. Perhaps it's because her birthday was celebrated each year in May, or maybe it's because of the things she loved. She adored colourful, fresh flowers on special occasions, spring tulips in the garden, newly flowered lilacs on the hedges surrounding her home, her prized apple tree, walks in the park, and the warm afternoon sun. These lovely joys all encapsulate the same beauty she possessed and speak to her incredible character.

Although her passing this spring is bittersweet, I take comfort in knowing that she was able to spend her last days enjoying the same spring beauty that she loved throughout her lifetime.

In the warmer months, I would visit Oma and find her in the yard sitting in the sun with a book. Other times, she would be out actively visiting Bowness Park and enjoying nature's finest. Her passion for nature and spending time outdoors is inspiring and something I will continue to implement in my own life as I remember her.

I know that Oma was proud of her large family, and Christmas celebrations were always special as they brought the whole family together. Christmas dinner in her living room was almost comical when a makeshift table was set up from wall to wall to ensure everyone could sit together and enjoy a meal.

Although I was only able to share a small period of time with her in perspective to her long and joyful life, I was lucky enough to create beautiful memories that will be cherished forever. I know that in all of her years, she shared this same beauty with so many other family members and friends. Even though she is no longer with us, her memory will live on through the love and joy she brought into our lives. Every time I see a beautiful spring flower or feel the warmth of the sun on my face, I will think of her incredible, well-lived life and the happiness she brought to this world.