One of my regrets has been that by living in Western
Australia I have not been in the position to contribute more to the quality of
your life this past 10 years. Initially
we could use the telephone and I know you enjoyed hearing me play the piano
over the phone, but eventually your health deteriorated to the point that phone
calls were no longer possible. I had to
be satisfied with brief visits we had when I did come in to Melbourne.
When I first visited you at MacLeod, we went for a walk and
came back to the living area to play the piano for a bit. I found myself with the community song book,
as I always needed the music on front on me, unlike you who would simply play
from memory. I could hear other folk
settling down to listen to as well.
Eventually someone piped up and said” who is this woman any way?” and
you piped up “She is Nada Joy Wood and she is my niece. I played some more and then
the same question was posed and you told the woman again. Memory loss is something that was a common
affliction.
But we have many, many great memories.
Firstly I recall running away from home, to your place when
I was little. It was a long walk but I knew the way well. Of course I sought respite at your home. I remember deciding to retrace my steps though
as I discovered the “cute cottage” and the see saw we kids wanted, under
construction and thought that Grandpa might be cross with me.
Many years on you gave that loving care you always gave,
when I was quite exhausted from visiting Mum at the Austin after she had
stroked. You suggested I just lie down
for a bit. You tucked me in and pull the blind down in the middle room. The memory is of your large capable hands just
smoothing the blanket across me as I drifted off.
We had so many good times not the least of which was the
Christmas table laden with sponge cake, sandwiches, and of course the saveloys
that all us kids polished off with gusto.
I can remember barely being tall enough to see what was on the table,
but knowing that it was laden with delicious food, the white linen table cloth,
always smooth and strong.
The garden, always so beautiful, a magnolia, the ferns s and
of course the veggies: your beautiful dresses, and the rose bowl.
Then of course there was the music. Your influence was of
course immense.
As it would be you were quietly slipping away, and I was
rehearsing with the Western Australian Opera Chorus for a performance in
Broome, set for the day that you would quietly go. I would be page turner again. I have done this
a few times before as I read music and have the hang of working in the outdoor
setting.
You would have loved to be in that audience. Fantastic
rousing music, with so much music that would have been so familiar for
you. The first that strikes my heart is
Casta Diva from Bellini’s Norma, one Dame Joan had in her repertoire. Then later as the pianist slides over the
lilting Offenbach’s Barcarole. We have The Easter Hymn and Humming Bird Chorus. The pianist's solo : Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini. The program
flows. Then to wrap it up. You’ll Never
Walk alone.
I hold my own , but then
the encores. The finale is a favourite of mine that is very sentimental. I knew
that would get me. Jimmy Chi’s Town by the Bay but everyone gets emotional with that tune.
Love you so much Aunty Joy.
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