Tuesday, June 3, 2014

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!

29 comments :

  1. Oh Alison - I can so relate to the relationship you had with your precious Nitty. We lived next door to my grandparents while I was growing up, and my grandma was my hero. She was a third grade teacher, and an absolutely wonderful role model. I so miss her everyday, and always make a point to tell my third graders about her.

    So sorry to go on and on, but your post brought back some memories.

    Thanks for sharing the pics - I love them! I'm thinking of you my friend, and sending you a hug. Enjoy the time with your parents.

    Jane
    Learning in the Little Apple

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  2. Beautiful post about a beautiful woman. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, but we know that your beloved Nitty is at peace and smiling in Heaven. Sending lots of thoughts, prayers, and love your way.
    XOXO
    Erin
    Short and Sassy Teacher

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  3. I opened blogger and your post was the first that I saw...I am so saddened to hear about your loss. What a beautiful post in honor of your Nitty. She is looking down and smiling, so proud of you. I am glad that you will be able to visit with your parents and begin the healing process. My thoughts are with you and your family. Love you girl!!! XXOO
    ~Holly
    Fourth Grade Flipper

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  4. I am so sorry for you loss my friend! Your Nitty seems like an incredible woman! This was such a great post in her honor! Sending lots of love and prayers to you and your family! ((((((((((HUGS))))))))))
    XOXO
    Rachel

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  5. Oh Alison, I am so sorry for your loss. What precious memories you have of your sweet grandmother. Rest assured she is with your grandpa right now, singing glorious hymns and watching over you!
    Carol
    Teachers Are Terrific!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Carol! I know those two are so happy to be back together...especially in Heaven! They were the very best grandparents a girl could've ever asked for. They taught me so many things and loved me...no matter what. It doesn't get much better than that!

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  6. See, I knew there was a reason you have been on my mind. I am so sorry. I wish I knew, I would have met up with you, but I know it was an emotional time. Nitty would love your write up. She was beautiful and I can see she passed along those beautiful and kind traits to you. All my love, xoxo Laura

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    1. Thanks, Laura! The past week has been a whirlwind. I don't think anyone really sat down or slept for too long. Back to school today which will help keep my mind off of things. XOXO

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  7. It's so difficult to lose a loved one. Your grandmother will always be with you. Hold on to your fond memories and know that I am praying that you and your family find comfort in the days ahead. She looked like she was such a sweet and fun soul.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Debbie! I really and truly appreciate that. She really was such a sweet and fun soul! xo

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  8. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Grandparents are special people. Nitty sounds as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I couldn't agree more about making the most of every day and letting people know you love them.

    Love,
    Mary
    Fit to be Fourth

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Mary! Nitty really was so very beautiful. You are right...inside and out. It still doesn't feel real to me. :(

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  9. Oh Alison! I am so sorry for your loss! It's been 7 years since my grandmother passed and I still miss her so much and wish she was around to share the big things in my life. This was such a beautiful post of memories!

    Rissa

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Rissa! I am sure it must be hard that you can't share all the precious things of your little one. I've missed talking to you. Hope you're well!

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  10. That is absolutely a gorgeous, touching tribute to your Nitty! I feel like I knew her myself after reading your words and looking at your photos. I know that Nitty has influenced your life immensely and beautifully...and that her spirit will continue to live on as you live your life in a way that reflects the values she modeled for you. Lots of love to you!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, M.J. Your words are so very true and much appreciated. I love you!

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  11. Oh you sweet girl...I know the pain you must be in. My nanny passed in early 2002 and my papaw in late 2012. Your Nitty looked like a little firecracker and you were so blessed to have such a wonderful person to be close to. I assume that you all lived close to one another until she moved to CA with your parents? I loved the photos of her when she was young, so beautiful, looked like a young Hollywood starlet! I am so sorry my friend for your loss and pray that you and your family find peace in her passing. She is in a much better place than we are now and you are so right...just a temporary separation!
    God Bless you!
    tobi :)

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  12. Alison,
    I'm so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed seeing all these wonderful pictures of you grandma- what great memories!
    Sending you a virtual hug!
    Aylin
    Learning to the Core

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Alyin! That's means a lot to me. Sending you a hug right back! XO

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  13. Alison,
    This is an AMAZING tribute to a beautiful woman. I was getting worried about you after not hearing from you, so I am so sorry for your loss. Enjoy your time next week sharing memories with your family. I'll be thinking of you, and I'm sure Nitty will be smiling down on you!
    Michele
    Coffee Cups and Lesson Plans

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  14. Sweet thoughts headed your way for your loss of your Nitty. This is such a beautiful post. I just love the picture of Nitty and her typewriter. (Was she an early blogger?? :) Take care & safe travels!

    Jennifer
    Mrs. Laffin's Laughings

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  15. Your tribute to your Nitty brought tears to my eyes. I'm so sorry for your loss. I loved reading about her and seeing her photos. I miss my grandma so much. She passed a long time ago...almost 24 years, and yet my memories of her are still strong in my heart and mind. I'm praying for you and your parents that you will find comfort and piece as you mourn your loss.

    Susan
    Passioninportableland

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  16. So sorry to hear of your Nitty's passing, Alison. She seemed like an amazing woman and was simply gorgeous (both in her early years and later ones). I'm sure she is proud of you and your kind words about her. Sending your heart healing thoughts!

    Kelli
    Tales of a Teacher

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  17. Such a sweet post and beautiful pictures, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you are able to use your summer break to enjoy the time with your parents and treasure all of your memories and wonderful pictures.

    Amy

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  18. I am sorry for your loss. She seemed like a beautiful woman, inside and out. Enjoy your time with your family. I will keep you in my thoughts as you try to deal with her being gone. I am sure she is smiling down on you right now. :)

    Cassie
    Funky in Fourth

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  19. Haven't had a chance to read any blogs lately, so I just read this post this morning....

    So nice to hear such nice things about your nitty. Grandmother's are so special. How blessed you are to have had her for so long.

    I got a sad email from my brother yesterday saying that his mother-in-law passed. Her name was Claire, and she had just turned 101 a week ago. Her heart had gotten weak, and it was just her time. She was such a nice lady. I'd met her when I was 12 at my brother's wedding. Went to visit my brother in Santa Cruz about 5 years ago (she lived with them) and was able to have some lovely conversations with her. She was sharp as a tack and smart! She loved to hear my tales of teaching. "Allison, you've grown up to be such a delightful young lady" she told me when I left. Whatta sweet woman!
    Anyways, I'm glad you'll be in CA soon to be with your parents. : )

    Ali
    Teaching Powered by Caffeine

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  20. Oh, Alison! I'm so sorry about your Nity! You might remember I lost my Bee just last month, so I can definitely relate. Your tribute to Nitty here is beautiful and will be a lasting remembrance to you and your family. Know that she is well, happy, young, beautiful, and perfect now in God's perfect hands. The first thing my nine-year-old said about Bee's passing was, "Oh now she can be young with Papa again!" From the mouths of babes...she had it right. Hugs, prayers, and love to you!
    Brooke

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  21. You have some amazing memories with Nity. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I'm praying for you and your family!

    Jenny
    Suntans and Lesson Plans

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  22. What a beautiful post. I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Courtney

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