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12.07.2012

A Post for Nana

When I look back on my childhood, my head is flooded with happy memories. I grew up being the older sister (and only girl) to three hilarious and fun-loving brothers. My partners in crime, memories of  those years of carefree adventures through the woods and operations on three wheels will never cease to bring a smile to my face. When I think of my adolescence, I am always taken back to the house my grandparent's owned, a place my mother and aunt spent their childhood, where large oak trees stood in a sprawling yard, surrounded by monkey grass (which was, at the time, hilarious to me) and flowers Nan had carefully planted. The car port, extending from the front to the back of the house, served as a racetrack for my brothers and me and was a never-ending source of simple entertainment. A place, a time, I wish I could revisit again and again.

I was stubborn, prone to acting out (bless my family), and feisty, but also bright, and full of energy. Being the only girl (in a family full of testosterone, immediate and otherwise), I was aware that I should have been a "daddy's girl." And, while I've always loved my father, I was decidedly a Nana's girl from day one. My grandmother, Sara Ellen Peters, or Nana, or Nan as I liked to call her, was my mother's mother and the sun in my sky. There was nothing she couldn't do or say to make all seem right with the world. She sang (we convinced her to yodel on more than one occasion); she read stories; she drew lifelike images that should have covered the walls of museums; she had an imagination that exceeded any kid I knew; she cared for people; she frequently offered kind words as simple exchanges; she grew strawberries and let me help; she let me try on every shoe in the closet (and then find the purse to match); she did everything that was wonderful and always with a smile on her face. It would take me a lifetime to write it all down.

I mentioned, shortly after her passing, that I wanted to dedicate a post to her, but couldn't manage it. Today would have been her 77th birthday; we would have celebrated with coconut cake, one of her favorites. We miss her terribly, but know she's with us daily.

Everyone experiences loss. It's always heartbreaking and hard to recover from. Sometimes it's harder when it's unexpected or happens too soon, but I don't think anyone can ever be truly ready. The everyday is tough, but I find that the holidays can be even more saddening. Traditions that hold a special place and memories tied to those moments will forever be bittersweet.

I wrote her a letter expressing my gratitude for her love the Christmas before last. I think she showed it to every person she knew at some point in time, and even kept it in on display in the living room. Nothing has made me happier than to know how much it meant to her, to know how much I meant to her. I would never have become the woman I am today without her love and guidance, and am so thankful for the time we were able to spend together. I've always been aware that I was fortunate to have such a close relationship with her and will carry that forever.

I appreciate you taking the time to allow me to sit here and spill my heart. I am so grateful for this community and the opportunity to share something that means so much. I hope you're enjoying this holiday season and that you're making memories you'll hold forever.

Here are some old photos my Papa gave me to make copies (I love every single one):






 







11 comments:

  1. Beth, this was the sweetest and most heartfelt post I think I've ever read. Thanks so much for sharing those memories of your Nana with us - I loved it. Reading this has put a smile on my face and has made me think about my own grandmother and my mom (she loves coconut cake, too). We need to remember to hold tight to our memories and to enjoy the relationships we do have with our loved ones and appreciate them now as we are experiencing them. I loved this post! Enjoy those memories and all the news ones you are making ;) Happy Holidays!!

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    1. Nadia, Thank you for your sweet words. It felt good to write it down and share. Yes, I know I'll keep these beautiful memories with me until my brain just doesn't want to work with me anymore. I hold them close to my heart. Thanks for taking the time to read and respond. And who doesn't love coconut cake?! Delicious! Hope you have happy holidays as well!

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  2. Beautiful tribute and amazing pictures. Thank you so much for giving us a peek into this important woman - the pictures are beautiful.

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    1. Natalie,
      Thank you so much! It was amazing looking through all her old pictures - she always had style and grace! She was amazing and I want to let the world know. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read. Hope you are enjoying the holidays.

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  3. Oh, I can relate so, so much to this post! I was named after my mom's mom, I have an uncanny resemblance to her (we even make the exact same sound when we sneeze) and we both loved reading and writing, the only ones in a family full of science-oriented people

    Sometimes I miss her, but most of the times I'm deeply grateful I had her so that I could see there is more to life that being on duty 36 hours, biology and technology.

    Be grateful that you met her but also know that there are many other people out there (like me) who feel exactly the same way, people who have the same stories and feelings.

    Amazing pictures. So American -in a good way and said by a European.

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  4. What a lovely post, and lovely pictures too. A great tribute to someone who meant so much to you.

    You should bake a coconut cake :)

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  5. Beth, your Nana was beautiful! It sounds like you were both very lucky to have each other in your lives.

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  6. Thank you for sharing this with us. She was a gorgeous gal and your memories of her only make her more beautiful. I have been thinking about writing a letter to my grandma and you've convinced me to do it asap. Thank you again!

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  7. I love the uniquely American nature to the photos - the internet is not all doom and gloom is it? This time of year is all about happy memories and it is right that we think fondly of those we have loved, who have guided us and formed us, and that we are together in spirit at Christmas. Thanks for sharing your photos, Judy.

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  8. What a beautiful tribute to your grandmother. I have big ol' tears in my eyes right now. You were lucky to have her :*)

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  9. This was a beautiful post, Beth. You are a very talented writer, and I am glad you chose to share this with us, your readers :) I love that you had such a wonderful relationship with your Nan. My husband has very fond, loving memories of his Grandma, and I never tire of hearing stories about her over and over, either. I hope our future children will be able to say the same things about their grandparents. The pictures are lovely - there's just something so raw and beautiful of pictures taken back then.

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