Although we knew that this was coming, we only had a couple of weeks to prepare ourselves for it. And how does one really prepare themselves for losing someone so special? Nanny is the foundation of our family. Together her and DD (Michael's grandfather) created a beautiful and loving family that I am so blessed to be a part of. Their story is one that you see in the movies... meeting on a blind date when they were very young, falling in love and getting married shortly after. DD built the family business, Reid Homes, from nothing and provided not only for his wife who never had to work a day in her life, but also for his children, Ronda (Michael's mom) and James. Not only that but created a legacy and career for Michael and Aaron and all of the grandchildren - Matthew, Chelsea, Jeb and Josh. Below is a sweet picture of nanny and DD on their wedding day. You can tell they are so in love and happy.
On Wednesday, when nanny went passed, the day was spent with family. They even got to move DD to the same room as nanny as they were both in Methodist Hospice. DD is still there. The romantic in me makes me wonder if nanny was waiting on her love until she passed. After all, they spent the day together (although neither one was fully aware) and she passed that afternoon. I'd like to believe that she was waiting on her man. Here's a picture of them on nanny's last day on this Earth.
What sweet, sweet pictures. I pray that Michael and I have a love that is as true and unconditional as theirs, until the very end.
We are all writing letters to nanny for her to be buried with since her illness was so brief and we felt like there were many things unsaid... although we know that she knew them all in her heart.
What I want to remember and share with you are a few things that I learned from nanny in the almost 6 years I knew her.
1. Live life to the absolute fullest. Nanny was full of energy, fun and a little fiery piece of her soul pierced through and made everyone around her smile.
2. Enjoy the simple things in life. Nanny was a homemaker. She wasn't particularly involved in any hobby, sport or organization. She invested her life in her family. She took pride in her family, cared for them, guided them and loved them. This is what she was best at.
3. Be here now. Nanny savored every moment with friends and family which is why we have such special memories with her. In today's world it is easy to get wrapped up in our busy schedules, work, and especially in technology. Take time to live in the present and really live life.
4. Cherish family. She had special memories and stories she'd share about each person. Like the time that she beat Mrs. ronda and Mr. Gary to the hospital when Mrs. Ronda was in labor with Michael or the time that Aaron's little heart broke when a dog got out and killed a poor little rabbit... as nanny would say, Aaron said, "Nanny, the dog got out and the rabbit got dead". It was these simple stories and affection she had that was so unique for every one of us that made us feel special.
5. Life is short. We can't take one day for granted. Nanny didn't plan on leaving us this soon. She would have loved to see Matthew and Chelsea get married this summer, Aaron to get married and me and Michael to have a grandchild so she could be a great grandmother. She always said that when we got Bella she was thinking, "I said a great grandCHILD, not a grandDOG." :) I love that. Don't worry, nanny... I think God will let you see it all.
In those 6 years that I spent time with nanny I got to see how such a little lady (after all, she was less than 5 feet tall and less than 100 pounds) had such a big heart and how that little lady shaped the life of her family and the man I married. We are so blessed to have loved and been loved by nanny. We will always cherish the memories we had with her and hope to make new ones that will make her proud.
Love,
R&M
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