Nana

As I sat today and watched my daughter play with her Nana (my mom), my thoughts turned to the many memories I have of my Nana. Sadly, my Nana passed away exactly 3 years ago today quite unexpectedly and not a day has gone by that she is not on my mind. This date has been especially hard for me, but I try to get through it by picking out my favorite memories of her and I wanted to put some of those memories into words here on my blog so that one day Norah will understand just how much my Nana meant to me.

Nana,

I miss coming to your house and playing cards with you and Paw Paw. Whether you wanted to or not, you always found time for just one more game.

I miss the way you used to play with my hair and rub my back to help me fall asleep when I was younger.

I miss going out to lunch with you and Paw Paw.

I miss your funny faces and sense of humor.

I miss your shepherd's pie and meatloaf. I try to make both for my family now, but they're just not quite the same as yours.

I miss watching Wheel of Fortune, The Price is Right, Hee Haw and soap operas with you.

I miss calling you on the telephone to see how you're doing.

I miss talking to you about my job, friends, school, boys and anything else going on in my life. I know I can talk a lot...thank you so much for listening.

I miss your generosity and dedication to your family. And I miss your love...the kind of love only a Nana can give.

And I often think about the things that have happened since you left...things that I wish you could have been here to experience with us:

I missed you on my wedding day...I had been so excited for you to be there to see me marry the man of my dreams. I know that you were there in spirit watching over us on our special day.

And I missed you so much when I gave birth to my first child, a baby girl. I know that you would have loved Norah, and I'm sure you are looking down on us and watching her grow each and every day.

I feel so blessed to have been able to share so many wonderful memories with such a special woman. I will forever hold these memories very close to my heart. I love you, Nana and miss you so, so much!