Aggy & Bob

(Age 57 & 58)

Aggy:

“We have been planning for our impending retirement, and part of that was making sure our children don’t have to worry when we depart this life and salsa into the next one”

‘Nanny, what I love the most about coming to stay with you and Grandpa is that you have music on ALL the time! That means we can dance, all the time!’ My grandaughter Evie said this to me very recently, I hope that she always feels as though she can dance – anywhere and everywhere.
I love that our family is so incredibly close and we use any excuse for a get together! Birthdays, anniversaries, one of the grandchildren winning the school art competition….I love to cook and I love to entertain!
My husband Bob and I have been planning for our impending retirement, and part of that was making sure all the children don’t have to worry about anything when we depart this life and salsa into the next one. My youngest son was aghast when we mentioned finalising the detail of our funeral plans, but I think now he understands how important it is to us that they don’t have the financial burden, and that Bob and I have the send offs we actually want.
We would both like The Water Boys “Whole of The Moon’ played as it was covered by a live band on our first date – I would very much like a similar live version, Bob said he was more than happy with a recording: I want the full orchestra if possible (!)
I have requested a eucalyptus garland – the smell reminds me of our bach at Waimarama. Bob has said no flowers, instead he would like his contribution donated to our local gardening club: the people we have met through that are very special to us and were a great support throughout the pandemic and after Cyclone Gabrielle as we have rebuilt our lives.
Bob wants to be cremated and some of his ashes taken back to his homeland in Papua New Guinea and has asked that our boys wash and dress him in keeping with custom. I want to go home to whanau until my funeral and family to take care of dressing me.  
We would like memorials in the crematorium garden in Havelock North – a small plaque and flower planting for me, John has requested to be by a tree.  We have been to see the cemeteries in Hawkes Bay and still trying to decide which plot is best (but we feel we have time). Either way, I think we like the idea of people having somewhere tranquil and lovely where our people can come and say Hi if they wish, bring a whiskey to toast Bob, a fruity cocktail for me (at this point in the explanation all three of my children got the giggles – Mum, are you expecting us to bring a flask? A cool bag with…. A picnic?!)
Well yes actually – and don’t forget a speaker, so you can dance!