A nannu to all

It’s been several days since my grandfather passed away and I’m still not sure if it has hit home yet. It probably will once the touching celebration of his life is over and the President, minister, politician, patriot, internationally-renowned groundbreaking ophthalmologist and general life-enthusiast will become just nannu again. It might also hit home today: we should have been meeting for his 99th birthday.

When just over two weeks ago I was with him before leaving for a trip abroad, it didn’t cross my mind for an instant that it would be the last time his hands would reach out to welcome me, the last time he would smile that smile at me, the last time I would see him look adoringly at my grandmother before leaning over to kiss her. It’s still what I expect to happen when I walk into their home but instead now my two-year old daughter stares at his empty armchair and asks: “Where Nannu Ċensu…?”.

I’m glad both my daughters and many of his other 25 great-grandchildren will have the chance to remember him, even if vaguely. Even for those who won’t (including one still on the way), he will be a lifelong source of inspiration. My cousins, brothers, sisters and I will talk to them about him as they grow upand even in their lives his life and his values will still be relevant. It is, in fact, important that we make sure of this, otherwise our children will be less equipped to face tomorrow’s challenges and more vulnerable to an easy compromise on values that seems to have become so fashionable.

At the same time, we should want our children to be confident, assertive, independent-minded and open to seeking and accepting new and positive ideas, even if these may be met with resistance. For this, too, they will be able to look up to their great-grandfather. For all his life, he embraced, encouraged and brought about change and innovation. For example, the pioneering ideas he brought to his profession as an eye doctor were at first met with scepticism by the international medical community. But his belief and perseverance ensured that such ideas ultimately improved the lives of countless people, not only in his beloved Gozo but all over the world.

Consider also his successful efforts on behalf of the government to have David Attard’s ideas on climate recognised at a UN level, long before climate change was on the international agenda.

Nannu was indeed strong headed. Many have now probably heard the stories of former Prime Minister George Borg Olivier introducing him to foreign leaders as his “Minister of Opposition” (which is the actual phrase he used to use). The other Prime Minister he served under, Eddie Fenech Adami, says that he too got the “Minister of Opposition” treatment but I think he would also admit that Ċensu Tabone was a man who listened carefully to other opinions and was always open to being convinced.

This was evident from his approach to Malta’s membership of the European Union. He addressed his initial concern on the subject with detailed research and long discussions (which he loved), becoming one of Malta’s strongest proponents for membership. He also believed in seeking compromise on matters that did not involve principles. And he was convinced that we Maltese mostly share the same principles and aspirations, even if sometimes presented and pursued differently.

As a family, although this is a difficult time, we are grateful for having been the priority in the long life of man who gave so much to so many, in so many ways. It has been helpful to be reminded of how dearly loved nannu was by all who came in contact with him and also by many who never met him in person. I know that he would appreciate deeply this show of affection from the Maltese, led by those, who as he had done, have committed their energies to the betterment of our country.

Our greatest comfort comes from Nanna Maria. The entire country has had the chance to admire her love, dignity and strength. Many will not know that since losing her husband, she has also lost one of her brothers, Tony, another example of a model family man who will be sorely missed.

Nanna’s faith reminds us that nannu is still with us, even if not through his physical presence. His prayers will continue to serve us well and I am sure that they will not only be directed towards his family. His thoughts will be with all the Maltese, in particular those people and families who have lost loved ones without having the support that we have been so fortunate to receive, thanks to his great legacy. I am sure of this because throughout his life Nannu Ċensu thought about the vulnerable, the weak and the less fortunate and worked tirelessly for them. I know that he continues to do so.