Lisa's Two Nains
Lisa shares memories from her childhood and compares the two grandmothers in her life.
I have two Nains. One Nain's in my memory and the Nain I have now has lost hers. Both Nains are beautiful and funny and sharp when they're annoyed. But the difference is one remembers my name and the other doesn't.
But memory is a funny thing. If you sing a Welsh hymn to my Nain, she'll not only remember the words but she will also remember where and how to sign alto. But doesn't remember how to brush her teeth.
My Nain remembers her father's full title - Captain George Griffiths, with an 's' - but often forgets her own name. My Nain remembers that she wants a cup of tea with lots of sugar and she will only drink it from a china cup. But she doesn't remember that she's a Nain to me or a Mam to my Mam.
The Nain in my memory brings me a Flake and a Crunchie from Woolworth Porthmadog every time she and Taid come to visit. I remember sitting on the boiler in the kitchen and waiting for the grey car to arrive and Nain proudly stepping out, always so smart.
She would only wear Marks and Sparks, had her hair done every week and wouldn't leave the house without a little lipstick and powder. The Nain in my memory would only have her sweet tea from a china cup. I suppose some things don't change.
Not long before the Nain in my memory became the Nain I have now, she sat me down and stroked my hair. She told me she was getting old and was starting to forget things but that no matter what, she would always love me.
End slide - For my Nain.
Lisa Jones
