Thursday, November 30, 0002
To Grandfather and all the family, I can not even begin to imagine how devastated you must be to say goodbye to such an amazing woman. We have all been truly blessed to have lived in the presence of a living saint. Granny, was the most gentle, caring person we have ever known. Her quiet disposition instilled so many values in each of our lives. She was always so much fun to be around, whether we were baking, knitting, picking berries, wall papering, or just chatting. She could laugh like no other and we shared many happy moments. She brought so much to our lives. She is definitely an inspiration to us all. As a kid I spent many evenings with Granny and as a young adult I could always depend on her to drop all and hop in the car no matter where I was headed. She never cared about the speed limit which made her the perfect companion for those last minute trips to Placentia or St. John's. She enjoyed waiting for me to go places when Martin was around because they would have a glass of wine. When Jonathan was born, I called Granny and we spent hours on the phone talking about babies, and feedings, and sleeping and all that being a new mom entailed. After Clayton was born we had the same chat, but a little more detailed. I asked her how she did it...raising a big family. It was a big adjustment for me even with all the modern day conveniences of pampers, and everything automatic. She just laughed and said enjoy 'em, enjoy every minute because one time the floor was filled with youngsters here and now there is hardly anyone around. It did not matter to Granny that we were 5000 miles away, she called for every birthday and sent presents every occasion. Our boys will miss her. They always describe her as an angel,and they love hearing stories from the cove. Clayton just mentioned how during our last visit she thought he was going to take Lucky back to BC!!!! That was quite the scare. The last ten years were tough, and I know she is in a better place. Rest assured that all her good deeds gave her VIP access to heaven. When Martin and I told her about the kids in Davis and Wunnummin having no warm clothes, she must have knit a thousand pair of socks; a pair for every child. She was always generous and giving, but never judgemental. Whenever I think of Granny, I am reminded of Mother Teresa's profound words,"In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love". This was Granny Coffey's mantra. Simplicity was key, and she did everything with great love. Granny you will be missed. You never met Don Moen, but in one of his songs he asks a pretty intense question, When it's all been said and done,There is just one thing that matters, Did I do my best to live for truth?Did I live my life for you? Well for you, tonight it has all been said and done, and you did live for truth, and you did give all of us the greatest gift of all, a Catholic faith. Your life was a witness to the power of prayer and love. Thank you for everything. Sandra, Martin, Jonathan, and Clayton Careen
