Things my Ouma said

There are two things which I very clearly remember my Ouma saying.

1. "My kind, jy het so 'n kleeeeein hartjie..."
It's not that she was saying I have a tiny unfeeling heart (Afrikaans can be mildly confusing some times) she was commenting on how sensitive I could be about everything.
I was a very awkward looking pre-teen. Sticks and stones break & all, but sometimes words CAN hurt people and I was always so hurt by silly things unthinking people said.
But hey... it could have also been a comment on how I cried for adverts and Dawie die Kabouter episodes all through the years. OK, it was most likely that...

Regardless, she was the one person that first got it through to me that it is what's on the inside that counts towards making you a happy person and can bring others happiness. Sure it is great to be nice to look at and it does open a million doors for people not necessarily worthy of adoration...
but it's when people get to know you and really see who you're trying to become that they'll come to love you.

2. The other thing was "always wash your own underwear". Definitely a more simple message, but still... when you really think about it... really good advice! No really! Think about it!

I often think about and miss her terribly. I would have loved to grow up to be like her - full of poise and grace - but we can't all be the same and I like to think that at the very least she'd be entertained by the notions that swim through my brain and the words that often run out unfiltered as I think aloud. And maybe also she'd have a chuckle at how I still fall over and whack my funny bones on EVERYTHING. I think I've actually turned out quite similar to how she would have expected... and that makes me quite happy.

{My Oupa on the other hand said things like "Ag gaan skyt jy!" and "Word jou gat nie a bietjie vet nie?" and "Come Keyna... come count my toes!"  I have had some colourful family members in my tree and I'm very grateful for it.}