On April 20, 2021, my dear Nana left this earth and went to her eternal home with Jesus. She was 96 and left this earth still speaking positive words with a spirit of great love and affection. I still cannot believe she is gone, and I won't be able to pick up the phone to hear her voice say, "Hello, darling. Thank you so much for calling." She would speak words of encouragement to me no matter how I had messed up or was feeling. Her gift of encouragement was priceless, and her ability to see the positive in a situation and lift you up is something I pray I will emulate the rest of my life.
Our friendship grew as I became an adult, and I'll be forever grateful that she lived close enough for me to see her so often. Our road trips down to Southport, NC were some of my favorite memories. We traveled down in a rental car listening to lectures about C.S. Lewis and his writings, which we both loved and appreciated. And we loved being with Skip and Barb by the water where we could enjoy fresh seafood and the beautiful views. When we were at her place, we loved talking over a glass of wine and enjoying lunch together. She told great stories and had so many to tell from her full, well-lived life. Sharing a friendship with Jesus and faith connected us in such a special way, and I loved our discussions about God working in our lives.
In this last year as Nana declined, I feel so privileged to have shared moments of combing her hair, putting on her lipstick and freshening her up, so she could feel her best. I loved reading aloud to her from the Wall Street Journal and praying with her when she had those rare moments of feeling unwell or sad. When we knew the end was near, it was a blessing to spend time with the ministers who had come to love and adore her. She was an incredibly special lady, and those who knew her fell in love with her.
I anticipate the day we will meet in heaven again, and she will be sure to come find me and declare "You look beautiful, darling. Thank you so much for coming. I've missed you."
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