Two weeks ago today, my Nanny died.  After months of receiving weekly blood transfusions and platelets.  After a month and a half in a rehabilitation hospital with a broken femur.  After two weeks in the ICU because of multiple chemotherapy side effects – she died.  My mom, my dad, my aunt, my uncle and myself were in the room with her when she took her last breath.  And then there was nothing.  No more labored breathing.  No more moans.  No more beeps.  No more drugs.  No more pain. 

Nanny was a beautiful woman her whole life.  Both inside and out.  She never met a stranger and she wouldn’t hurt a fly.  She was gentle.  She was kind.  I don’t ever remember her saying an ugly word about anyone – even if they deserved it!  Nanny was the poster child for “shop till you drop” because she sure could do it!  She loved life and lived it every day.  She loved her church.  She loved the beach. She loved Cracker Barrel.  She loved her family.  And she sure loved my Papa.

Nanny would often wait with anxiety for nap time to roll around when Whit and Sophie were babies.  She couldn’t wait to get her hands on them to rock them to sleep.  At times, I feared that her feelings would be hurt, because I just KNEW that there was NO WAY that they would fall asleep in Nanny’s arms.  Well, she did it every time!  EVERY TIME they would fall asleep.  I used to tell her she had a magic lap!  I told Nanny right before she died that all the babies in heaven are getting ready to get very lucky!  Because they’re about to get the best arms and lap for rocking – the magic lap is coming to heaven!

Nanny was a christian.  Very devoted to God.  I became a christian almost a year ago.  Got baptized about 9 months ago.  Little did I know that Nanny and Papa had been praying for me for years.  They were so excited when I told them I was getting baptized!  They tried to get here because they wanted to witness what they had been praying about for so long.   Unfortunately, they didn’t make it.  At least, as Kirsten reminded me,  she died knowing that her granddaughter would forever be a part of the Kingdom.    I’d already rejoiced in knowing that Nanny was in heaven and I would see her again.  But I never thought about the fact that Nanny died knowing that I’m saved!  I’m on her team!  She didn’t die wondering about my salvation – she KNEW!!  What a great gift that God gave me and I, in turn, gave to her!

I will miss Nanny.  I am, however, so happy that she is in heaven.  She is no longer in pain.  No longer using a cane to walk.  Her blood is clean without transfusions.  She is reunited with her mom, sister and brother.  And knowing my Nanny – she’s already tracked down Elvis!

I love you, Nanny.  Godspeed.