365 Days Day 102

In Greek mythology, Iris is the personification of the rainbow and messenger of the gods. As the sun unites Earth and heaven, Iris links the gods to humanity. She travels with the speed of wind from one end of the world to the other and into the depths of the sea and the underworld.

Iris is represented either as a rainbow or as a young maiden with wings on her shoulders. As a goddess, Iris is associated with communication, messages, the rainbow and new endeavours.

The word iridescence is derived in part from the name of this goddess.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iris)

IRIS was the goddess of the rainbow, the messenger of the Olympian gods. She was often represented as the handmaiden and personal messenger of Hera. Iris was a goddess of sea and sky - her father Thaumas "the wondrous" was a marine-god, and her mother Elektra "the amber" a cloud-nymph. Her name contains a double meaning, being connected both with iris, "the rainbow," and eiris, "messenger.”

(http://www.theoi.com/Pontios/Iris.html)

My Nan was named Iris. The purple variety of the flower always reminds me of her. She was a bright, colourful lady. Her sense of colour in her dress was eclectic. When I was tidying out the study last week, I came across the eulogy I wrote for Nan. Below is the eulogy as I read it:

I want to dedicate my eulogy firstly to Stan (a wonderful and special man) and secondly I dedicate it to my mother, Shirley, because (I know) she is and will be as special a Nan to her grandchildren as our Nan was to us.

A FAREWELL EULOGY TO OUR NAN, IRIS HEYES:

Dear Nan,

You were not just a grandmother:

You were NAN.

You were and always will be,

A very special and wonderful lady.

You were fun and vibrant and colourful

Sometimes childlike: joining us in our games

Always warm and comforting and loving:

You loved and were loved.

You were tolerant and easygoing.

You always had time for us…

You were a friend,

who shared our fears and worries

Who respected and encouraged our dreams.

You always made each of us feel loved and

special.

When your wonderful Harold died,

You found another special man, Stan

To be your husband and friend

And a grandfather to us

Thank you, Nan.

You will always be a part of us,

You will live in our memories

We all love you so very much

Adieu, Nan – until we meet again.