Modesty Days. In Memoriam Agnes Nicol OBE (1937 – 2017) She suffered from ill-health for many years, but never did complain. She was strong, quiet, unassuming and generous to a fault. From an unpromising, parochial background, she was pathologically modest – not wishing to discuss intimate matters nor burden others with her private concerns. Always diligent and professional, without being dogmatic or obviously ambitious, she was always ready to render assistance to anyone in need. She fought a courageous campaign, even after her fatal wounds had become obvious and her discomfort permanent. It therefore seems so unjust for her to die on such a sunny day, for she had been longing for better weather for many months, and I had promised to take her away to the sun as soon as she recovered. If the last are to be first, she has surely earned her rightful place at Florence Nightingale’s right hand, for she always put herself last. Unobtrusively, quietly, as was her wont, she gently slipped away not wishing to disturb, generous and thoughtful of the needs of others to the last. Kind and grateful for your friendship and not believing that she had really earned a royal decoration, she remained a modest, decent, uncritical person, who loved her daughters deeply and adored her two grandsons, who made her last days worthwhile and bearable. Always supportive of one’s talents and natural inclinations she had a big heart and was rewarding to know, but she did not have an easy passing herself. Beyond all aspirations, anxieties and pain she lay, released at last from that travail that was her blameless life. Oh Agnes Darling laid so low! Full of courage on you’ll go Making life better somewhere new, Where you will reign beyond taboo, Putting yourself behind the host, Of those who love themselves the most. I now resent the sunny days for which she longed to somehow ease the pain Of her protracted and traumatic parting from this place. How we had planned to visit pastures old and new And spoken of the happy carefree time When I was hers and she was mine! But now alas she’s gone and left us No more her honest, kindly face Of her sweet self no further trace. How could she somehow evanesce Without one final sweet caress Leaving us abandoned here below ? While she to painless paradise could go, And by fulfilling her ever-caring rôle Prepared her precious pristine soul For its long journey home ……………