Monday, August 24, 2009

Nana


I went to visit my Nana's house at least once a year as a kid. My sister and I always slept in the same bedroom. It had pink shag carpet and a jewelry box that was fair game, and it had real stuff in it. I loved to play in that jewelry and in the dress-ups. I can remember riding her stationary bike so fast I was sure the pedals would fly right off the bike and take me with them. I played pool with my siblings and enjoyed countless hours in the playhouse out back. Best of all though, she ALWAYS had creamsicles and we could have as many as we wanted. What a treat.

When I got older I was privileged enough to do a family history project for school that required me to interview my grandparents. Sitting at her kitchen table and listening to her stories is a priceless memory. I learned that my love of reading was pale in comparison to hers, that I have a heritage to be proud of, and that you make time for those you love.

In recent years I have shared with her the experience of having five children very close in age (although she did hers in 5 1/2 years and mine took me 7 years). This experience gave us some common ground that only we shared. I liked having that connection with her. I felt she understood my joy, frustration, and exhaustion in parenting.



I loved her.

13 comments:

Carrie said...

Oh, I'm sorry, Laura. Even knowing where she is doesn't make you miss someone you love any less. That's wonderful to have had such a special relationship with her.

Julie said...

Beautiful sentiments Laura. I appreciate hearing a loved one's thoughts on the departed. It always inspires me to do more with my days.

My condolences to you and your family.

emblair said...

I'd totally forgotten about the stationary bike....I think you could ride it the fastest! And for some reason that reminds me of the big brown chair with the orange afghan in the basement. I loved to snuggle up in there!

And one of my other favorite memories...dressing Daniel up, adorning him with jewelry, and attempting to curl his hair. How did we ever get away with that?!

Rachel said...

Oh my goodness Laura, I'm so sorry. Reading this brought back a lot of similar memories from my Grandmother's house. What a wonderful tribute to your Nana.

Danielle said...

I am sorry for you loss! I am glad you were able to make it up there!

Ally said...

What a sweet granddaughter you are. It definitely made me think of my MeMa, who passed about 3 1/2 years ago. Sounds like they were both a couple of special ladies.

Becky Shuler said...

This is a really special tribute, and I appreciate you sharing. I'm sorry you've lost your Nana. I never got to meet her, but heard lots of stories about her. She sounds like an amazing woman. So, did you postpone Tara's baptism and attend the funeral? Our thoughts are with you and your family. I hope your mom is doing okay.

Sarah said...

I am so sorry that you lost your grandma. It is always hard to let go of someone that you are close too. I loved reading all the memories that you have of her. It sounds like she was a pretty great person.

Brooke said...

I'm so sorry Laura. Losses are hard and nothing really comforts the hole left behind. What sweet memories of her though, she sounds like a wonderful person! A lot like you!

Brimaca said...

Sweet memory. Thanks for sharing. Gorgeous lady wasn't she!?

Megs said...

That was a really wonderful post about Nana. I am also glad I got to share her with you. I love you Laura. I was so happy to see you. We need to make sure that we see each other again.

The Tremendous Thomas Family said...

She sounds like she was a special person to you. I hope you are comforted through your lose with the Gospel. It is times like these when it is truly a comfort. Take Care!

The Stringers said...

What an amazing woman! (I read about her on Emily's blog too). I am sorry for your loss.