I love you, Nanna

My Nanna passed away yesterday, Wednesday, January 23, 2008.

I remember when Nanna came to stay with us while my mom was at the hospital having my youngest sister, Leah. When we received the phone call that we had a new sister, I was upset that it wasn't a brother and my Nanna said, "well, shall we send her back?"

My Nanna used to sing us songs and teach us little poems. One of the songs I've remembered all these years and I sing them to my boys now. "If by chance you see a frown, do not let it stay. Quickly turn it upside down and smile that frown away"

When I was 3 years old, I woke up and asked my Nanna "Did you fleep good?" From then on, it was a running joke that she would ask me when I woke up while she stayed with us.

I remember when we lived in Maysville and my Nanna came to stay with us for awhile. She was very depressed and did not really want to take care of herself, so she moved in with us so that we could help her. I didn't realize it at the time, but that was an awesome blessing- for her and for us. We got to see her every day, spend time playing and talking to her, and she got to be around us kids who were just "being kids". I think it was a healing time for all of us.

After she moved out, she got a dog. It was a teacup poodle. It was the smallest dog in the world! She came to visit us in Savannah and we had a cocker spaniel puppy around the same age. Well, needless to say, our dog toppled over her dog and broke her dog's leg! That poor little 3 pound puppy was in a leg cast for about 2 months!

She loved Skipper. He loved her too. She loved that dog so much that she would put cheese over his food and warm it up in the microwave! Skipper had his own seat/pillow in the front seat of her car. He was her companion, her friend, and best of all he didn't talk back. :)

The photo of Nanna above was the last time I saw her. It was taken in October 2007. She was introduced to Kelton for the first time. She was so proud of her great grand kids (and her grand kids too). She sat in her chair and listened to us talk and laugh and play. Her eyes were closed most of the time but she was awake. It was sad for me to see her in the wheelchair but she was so weak she couldn't lift herself up. Her balance was gone and they didn't trust her to use a walker. I don't know how happy she was. I hope she found some happiness in life there. She never let on that she was unhappy. I don't think I ever heard Nanna complain, or say a mean thing about anyone-ever.

She was a wonderful woman.

She experienced many things in her life.

She was beautiful.

I love you Nanna.

I'll miss you.