I have been lucky to love this woman for 11 years. When I think of nana, I think of food. She introduced me to a bunch of new foods, particularly Jewish foods, including matzo ball soup and kugel, as well as her random loves: crab ragoons and Boston marble coffee cake. She'd always eat her meals 15 minutes at least before the hour, which was stressful when ordering Chinese as the restaurant didn't open until 12. She'd start calling at 11:30, hoping they'd answer before they officially opened. She also loved her dessert. You'd always find a few milky ways in her secret drawer that wasn't so secret. You'd leave her house a few pounds heavier as she'd feed, feed and feed you. I couldn't arrive at her house empty handed either. She'd see me and get excited about what I might have baked her. Her fave? Homemade donuts. Once I arrived and the first thing she said to me, even before a greeting, was "Good, you brought the donuts! My neighbor doesn't believe you make your own donuts. I'm going to call her right now and have her come over to try one." She actually made me bring all my donut making supplies once so she could watch me make them. She never knew anyone who could make donuts! We always left her house with random stuff too. She had a tendency to give oodles to random charities and such charities would send gifts....like mounds of notepads, greeting cards and slipper socks. She hated throwing things away. Once we received a year's worth of wrapped plastic forks from her take out meals. I also remember spending the night at her house and she'd randomly check on my husband and me in the middle of the night =. She loved our dog Kammie and was super thrilled to have a chance to meet my kids. She loved to give them kisses (and they *mostly* let her!). When we visited, I'd have my kids pack a bag. We'd bring our nursery rhyme books and favorite books and read them all together. Back in 2007, I made her a quilt. She used that quilt daily ever since. So many special memories, we're so lucky to have known her.
It's sad to say goodbye, but 94 years of age is such a full life. So much to celebrate. Thankful to have had a chance to get to know her.
So sorry to hear of your lost. She sounds like a wonderful lady who will be very much missed. I hope your children remember her....lots of hugs.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to your family. Having lost my father last week at the age of 82 I can understand your loss.
ReplyDeleteOh my friend. I am crying for your family. It is so hard to say goodbye. But it's not forever. I know she'll be with you every step of the way. She was well loved. Who could ask for more? May God's arms be wrapped around you all.
ReplyDelete