Memories

I've learned a lot since the loss of my Nana and I've feeling a bit introspective, so give me a moment here. When you lose someone that you love, someone that is such a big part of who you, how you became the person you are, is very difficult. I feel like I've been through this a couple times now, and it doesn't get easier but the processing of accepting what has happened comes faster. I've come to realize that time is so precious because you never know how much time you have to share with your family and extended family and friends. You must savor those moments because you never know when if that hug or "love you" will be the last one.

Here's some things that I want to make sure that Josh knows about Nana:
*She loved her family more than anything.
*Excellent cook--especially rolls and bread
*Crafty, skilled knitter and did ceramics too
*Loved photos--always had one of those disposable cameras with her
*Thoughtful, always knew the right things to say
*Proud of the family she raised: her children & grandchildren & (though she was just getting to know them, she was proud to have great-grandchildren)
*Supportive, though she'd share her opinion
*Worked hard to make Christmas special every year

I love this picture--Dad had it on his blog. It's so typical of a family get-together with my parents house. Ladies hanging out in the kitchen, men in the living room watching golf. It's silly I suppose since neither Josh or Nana is looking at the camera and the kitchen isn't perfectly straightened up, but it feels warm and homey to me, typical of a Sunday afternoon. I'm upset that those gatherings will never be the same, yet want to make sure that their new versions happen often to make new fond family memories for Josh.