From This Side to the Next

I have been absent from the blogging world this past week because my dear Nana passed. She was 93 years old and lived a great, unapologetic life. She left behind a legacy of kids, grand kids and great grand kids. She outlived my Papa, two of her children (my Dad) and a couple grand kids. We always compared her to the energizer bunny. She just kept going and going and going. I think Nana was tired of going and it was her time to finally rest.

Of all my grandparents, I was the closest to her. I have great childhood memories spent with her on her ranch playing games, telling ghost stories, cooking, picking berries from her garden and pouring cold cream over them for breakfast and digging through her old gowns and jewelry and playing dress up. As I approached my teen years, she always told me "Now Katie..a lady keeps her legs crossed til marriage." (She would say this with a wink and a smile) and she would also always tell me, "A proper lady never leaves the house without her lips on". This is why you will never see me in public without some form of lipstick on. ;) Even in her late years, she would throw on some lipstick for a holiday gathering or birthday.

She was in a happy state of mind past few years and didn't go in any pain. That is all any of us can ask for in this life. I got to visit with her this past Saturday, although I don't think she knew I was there. It still made me feel good seeing her knowing that I had a proper goodbye. As I left her bedside Saturday, I bent down and whispered in her ear, "thank you for all the wonderful memories and love ... Until we meet again."  On Monday, I got the call that she was at peace. 

Left: Nana age 31 circa 1950. Right: Nana on her 92nd Birthday 2011 

 Nana with some family on her 92nd Birthday. (My Mom is in the background on the phone and my Brother in blue and nephew Joe in red)

 Nana and her family on Easter Sunday circa 1950. Left: Aunt Beth, Aunt "O", Papa Right: Nana and the little boy is my Dad :)

All the same people in the photo above many years later. (Back row: Aunt Beth, My Dad, Aunt O Front Row: Nana and Papa). They all stuck together through thick and thin. Aunt O is the only one left with us now. The rest of them I'm sure are having a great time on the other side. 

Enjoy every single day we are here. Life is so precious and short. Don't take family for granted. Make a point to call and visit your loved ones all the time. It is one thing you won't regret in this life. <3