A grandmother's love...remembering my Nitty...

If you've been around this blog with me since last summer,

then you probably have heard mention of Nitty, my sweet grandmother.

I was sitting in her living room when I wrote my first blog post in July.

She was so proud and wanted to read everything I wrote

and look at all the pictures I took.

Nitty's the cute one in the red sweater.

It is with great sadness in my heart that I write this blog post, but 

I felt it necessary because this blog is not only about my teaching life,

but about my life in general.

My Nitty passed away last Monday, a week before her 93rd birthday.

Up until six weeks ago, my Nitty was the sharpest and healthiest

92 year old I have ever been in contact with.

Unfortunately, a major brain tumor took hold of her quickly

and she lost her battle with that horrible, nasty thing.

Nitty had been in CA with my parents, so they were able to 

get the very best care for her and to keep her comfortable.

I'm glad she was not alone.

Jerm and I traveled to Georgia on Thursday to meet my parents and

we had Nitty's visitation and funeral on Friday and Saturday.

It was definitely a celebration of her wonderful life

with family and friends.

It made me happy to hear so many stories of times she shared

with so many amazing people.

They loved her and she loved them just as much!

My sweet students/families and best friend surprised my

family with flowers...you know I broke down in tears!

Nitty would've loved them!

Nitty's service was beautiful and the pastor did such

a fabulous job with his message.

She is on a big hill with a gorgeous view...right

next to my Papa...after 15 long years of being apart.

Sunday and Monday were also emotional as we 

went through old pictures, files and personal belongings.

Every item was a treasure and a piece of her life.

I am proudly wearing Nitty and Papa's wedding rings together.

Yesterday we invited some of her lady friends, "The Golden Girls"

and some close family friends to eat 

hamburgers on what would have been her 93rd birthday.

We had cake and ate ice cream too, her favorites.

I know she was looking down on us from Heaven...smiling!

Of course I am heartbroken with all that has happened

because I was so very close with my Nitty.

Nitty was the most caring, selfless person I know.

Her laugh, her humor, her love...squeezed my heart.
A grandmother's love is like no other love.

Right now I can't even imagine life without her,

but I know this is just a temporary separation.

I also know I am blessed to have had so many years with her and

am thankful that I have so many beautiful memories of and with her.

I had planned a trip to CA next week to help my parents with her care.

Now my visit will be a time for us to spend together and 

to begin the healing process. 

Although I've just spent the last week with my parents,

I need more...lots more!

I could go on forever telling you all the ways I loved my Nitty.

Instead, I wanted to share some pictures of her with you...

Isn't she just stunning and classy?

My Nitty in 1950 when she was pregnant with my dad.

This was taken when Nitty and I flew to CA to surprise my dad

for his 60th birthday.

The very best hugger in the whole world.

Nitty winning money when we took her to Bingo.

She gave the money to my parents...the sweetest ever!

Last summer...when I took her to her favorite place, The Varsity in Atlanta.

It might've taken her two days, but she ate every last bite

of those chili dogs and onion rings!

Nitty letting me dress her up like a cow to get a photo op for this post.

The last picture we took when I met her in the airport in Atlanta

to go visit my parents for Thanksgiving.

This will be my favorite selfie of all time.

I urge you all to...

1.  go hug someone you love

2. call someone and tell them you love them

3. take a picture with someone you love

4. help a loved one in need...or just because 

You get the idea...just don't let a minute pass you by.

We are never guaranteed a tomorrow and everyone

should make the most of each minute we are given.

Do it for my Nitty!

Happy Tuesday, friends!

I've missed you!