My Nana's Love

I remember in elementary school having to choose someone I admire to write about. I chose my Nana because of her love for me. Again when I was younger, I was in community theaters prduction of "Annie" and I had to choose a name for my orphan. I chose Ginny in honor of my Nana ( whose real name was Virgina). During the summer months I would come to KC and spend a week with her and Papa. She would plan specail things for us to do--shop on the Plaza, see her friend Darlyne, trolley ride, Kaleidoscope at Crowne Center....great memories!!

My Nana passed away a few weeks ago at her home surrounded by my Papa, her only living sister my Great Aunt Patricia,  my mom , my uncle Chris, my aunt Patrice, one of her nieces and me. She had been getting weaker each day and we were told by the hospice nurse that she was getting near the end. The night before she died she had a dream and saw her parents and siblings who had died years earlier. She had also told my Papa she did not think she would make it through the day. She knew the end was near--and she was not scared. My kids and I went to see her about noon. She asked where     " her dolly" Ella was. Her face lit up when Carter and Ella came in the room.  I knew in my heart it would be the last time I would be able to talk to her.

I went back to see her later in the evening. She had a struggle earlier in the day and the end was near. My uncle went and found a priest to administer the Last Rights to her. (The final  of seven sacraments in the Catholic faith). Once she received this sacrament, she was comfortable and at peace--we all were. We knew she was going to heaven to be with the Lord Jesus.
Her funeral service was beautiful. She was celebrated by many family members and friends.

Carter has been so cute. He is doing well and helped 'teach' Ella about heaven. We said that 'Nana is with Jesus'. So everytime we drive by our church Ella asks, " Where's Nana?" We continue to talk about her often.

We all have so many wonderful memeories with Nana. We all love and miss her SO MUCH. We know she is in heaven--out of pain and in peace.

The day after she died we went over to Nana and Papa's house. Everytime my kids over there, Nana had a special large-sized envelope where she had things for Carter. There were stickers she got in the mail, adds from the newspaper, notepads....something she knew Carter would like. Well, as we were sitting there I saw this enevelope in the same susual spot on the coffee table in front of where she always sat on the the couch. I looked it in and was brought to tears.  I found two $1 bills in it. One with a post-it note that said 'Carter' and one with a post it note that said 'Ella'--in my Nana's handwriting. She left them something very special--just like her--very special.