Nanny T

My dear sweet Mom in Love went to be with the Lord last Friday. It feels surreal to type those words. You always think (at least I did) about this day.

You are never ready for that phone call. We just lost my Father in Love six months ago. How can this be her time already?

I have heard countless stories from friends, of the same thing happening in their family. When two become one and are married for as long as they were (63 years) it's hard to go on without your life partner.

She was such a fun-loving, brutally honest, no-nonsense, get up and get on with it type of person. She taught me so many things about life. She loved me. I knew it. But she would also tell me the truth, even if it hurt a little. Looking back I appreciate that about her.

My father in law called her the OG Ride or Die. She faithfully supported him behind the scenes as he pursued his football coaching dreams. She raised four children on a teacher/coach salary, which wasn't much back in the day. She made things work and stretched herself beyond what we women have to do today.

She went back to school in her late forties to pursue her own teaching degree. And I have heard many stories from people of how she helped families and kids from all over the LC Valley. She and my father in law were such an example to so many.

She was so proud of me starting this organizing career of mine in my 50's. She told me all the time how much she admired that. She cheered me on so many times. 

I will miss her handwritten letters and cards. I will miss her prayers. I will miss the long talks we used to have whenever she would come and visit us here in Texas. I will miss playing cards with her. I will miss her laugh. I will miss her honesty.

But I will cherish the memories we made along the way. This picture above is of us (along with my sister in love Wendy) on a girls' trip to Napa, CA to celebrate my 50th birthday. We all take with us a little bit of her in our hearts forever. We all have a favorite Nanny T memory.

Here's to you Genie! I will see you again someday. I'm so thankful you are no longer hurting and missing Papa.

I love you.

Lisa