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Last Saturday, we went to Papa's house...Papa's house...regardless of the number of times I say that...it just doesn't sound right. For the last 20 something years, I went to Nana & Papa's house. I was always greeted with sweet tea and something to munch on. If I was lucky I got to do a chore and earn some cash.
But it's no longer Nana's house. Her things are still there and her memories are so vivid, but the part of going to Nana's house that I looked forward to most...isn't there any more. Nana left us on February 24, 2007.
Now we go to Papa's house.
But it's no longer Nana's house. Her things are still there and her memories are so vivid, but the part of going to Nana's house that I looked forward to most...isn't there any more. Nana left us on February 24, 2007.
Now we go to Papa's house.
(picture taken July 2007)
This revelation just came to me this past Saturday. Mom and I loaded up the boys and headed to Papa's for a visit. As he were walking through the house, "Hi Papa" bounced off the walls. When we reached the den, and after Papa woke from his nap, he had sugar wafers waiting for the boys. As they explored and found brooms, they took them to show Papa. As they "swept" the backyard and picked up things they shouldn't have, it was Papa who showed concern.
For the first time, I realized that the boys will never know that house as "Nana's house". They will never know the woman who brought our family such joy and anticipated their arrival into this world.
Nana did meet the boys in the hospital, although by that time the cancer had already stolen her memory from us.
The day of her funeral was that of mixed emotions. Sloan and I drove straight from the cemetery to the hospital to bring our sons home for the very first time.
Now the boys know visiting Nana as driving way out into the country to a field filled with ornate stones and room to run. The first time we took the boys to "visit Nana", Grant took his very first steps just feet from her grave. Nana always had a way of making people feel brave and encouraging them on to greatness.
What a beautiful tribute to your Nana. And I'm sure you will help your boys to know her through your photos and stories.
ReplyDeleteThis is truly an awesome and touching post.
ReplyDeleteIt can be especially hard to think about the people our children will never know, and the people who will never know our children. I never knew my grandfather, but my bigger regret is that my kids will never know my dad.
ReplyDeleteSo we treasure the time we have, and then we treasure the memories that are left behind.
Wonderful story. It's interesting trying to teach little ones about death....and memories. What a great memories you have to hold on to.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful and sad. Lovely pictures though. A very nice tribute to your Nana.
ReplyDeletethat was beautiful - and your children will know - through you!
ReplyDeleteOk, I admit, I'm in tears. I dread the day something happens to my parents. It's scary how short life is and how easy it is to take for granted. What a beautiful beautiful tribute.
ReplyDeleteI want to give you a hug! **(())**
ReplyDeleteThat's a precious story and I hope you tell many memorable stories about you Nana to your boys!
Beautiful post! Your sons may not have memories of that house being Nana's, but it looks like they are making some beautiful memories with their Papa.
ReplyDeleteyour story brought tears to my eyes! very touching!!!
ReplyDeletebtw, i gave you an award. come see!
Your Nana was an amazing woman and Zach and Grant will learn about her from you. It looks like Zach is trying to earn some money with the broom.
ReplyDelete