INTRODUCTION

My grandmother, Edna Olive Pond, was the inspiration for me to build this family history website.  She was one of the finest, strongest women I have ever known.  She was thrifty, hardworking and a very good housekeeper. Nanna had a difficult life, surviving the great depression, the loss of a baby son, young husband and the unexpected loss of her mother, to whom she was devoted.   After losing her mother she was very depressed until she decided that she had to rid herself of all upsetting thoughts.  She then became a very positive person in everything she did.  She once told me "Never let a negative thought enter your mind" and I believe that she lived her life with that creed. 

In her late 80's she lost her beloved second husband, Harry.  He had Alzheimer's disease.  She had had to put him into a hospice for respite care while she attended some function interstate, as it was not possible to travel with him. When she brought him home he was more confused than before and quite cranky and accused her of trying to put him away. He was sent to hospital for assessments and he died there soon after. She was then alone.  She still drove her car, served as a "Pink Lady" at the hospital, attended church and accepted any invitations from friends and family for outings or holidays. 

She once travelled from Brisbane to Gosford by train to visit me for a holiday.  It was wonderful.  Although her arthritis was bad and she had difficulty walking she never complained and was delightful company.  We went to cafe's and beaches.  One of my fondest memories is eating strawberries and yoghurt with her on Terrigal beach.  Another time she came on one of our family holidays to the Gold Coast.  She came to Wet and Wild with us, even going white water rafting.  My children visited her and very much enjoyed her company, although she was in her late 80s.

When she was 90 she found that she was dying. I phoned her at the hospital and we talked for over an hour.  She said goodbye and died a few hours later.  We all felt a very great loss.  My poor father, who was devoted to his mother, was particularly stricken.  He had to give the eulogy and did so with great fortitude. 

In 2013 my father sent me the best gift I have ever received.  It was my grandmother's  autobiography.  I never knew she had written it. 

My other grandmother, Ida, was a very different character but very loving and wonderful and equally as inspirational.  She was bubbly, talkative, warm, kind and fun. When I asked her what was the most important advice to pass on to future generations she replied, without hesitation, "Giving to others", and that was very characteristic of her.  She never visited without having a basket full of little gifts, food, cuttings and presents. She was childlike in the joy that she took from the numerous small creatures she nurtured and her everyday adventures fishing, shopping and gardening.

I wish to remember and honour both my wonderful grandmothers and their families, and the stories of our ancestors, and hope that this little, insignificant website leaves some trace of them in this world, as time marches relentlessly onward. 

What's truly amazing is how quickly time passes. Although we might think that distant grandparents are far away in time, it is true that sometimes up to fifth great grandparents can be within living memory. For example, my father can still remember his great grandmother Cameron. She would be the 5th great grandmother of a child of my grandson, Mitchell, who doesn't have a child, but is old enough to have a child. She is still within living memory. I take my grandchildren to Ettalong, and it brings back memories of my Nana. Nana is their Great, Great grandmother. That sounds so remote, yet it's really not long ago. These ancestors are not so far away from us and their influence is present.

If anyone reading these pages has any questions, comments, information or advice please do not hesitate to contact me on darlieashes@gmail.com. I would greatly appreciate any input. I understand that I have not formally referenced much of my research and it is true that I have relied on family oral history for some of the stories. This is a work in progress. It is a hobby. I do aim to gradually add copies of records and certificates to ensure that others can follow and check my trail.