Visiting Our Nana

(This was the last time that my kids and husband got to see my sweet Nana who passed away in February of 2013 .  At the time- we weren't sure if it was the last time we would see Nana, but braced for that and made sure every moment with her counted.  We miss you so much, Nana and loved every moment of our lives that you made extra special.)

Today, we went to see my Nana.  We were more than surprised to see her hair in corn rows as she has never donned this kind of hairstyle before!  Honestly, we couldn't stop laughing.  One of the nurses pulled her hair back in the braids and we seriously couldn't keep from smiling at the cute absurdity of it all!  She didn't seem to mind so we went along with it!

I am so grateful that my husband and children have gotten to know Nana.  She has been such an important part of my life since the day I came into this world!  From what I am told, she fell in love with me at first sight and loved my big, brown eyes.  She used to say, "They look like two burnt holes in a blanket!"  Interpret that as you will- it makes me happy.

Today she was pretty lucid.  The kids loved snuggling with her and letting her have as many 'Nana kisses' as she wanted.  We all tried to value each and every moment with Nana today.  Nana has been growing weaker and we all fear that soon, she will leave us.  Of course, we have braced for this for years and she has shown us that she isn't going anywhere!  Nana is truly the strongest and most determined woman I have ever met.  And in this strong willed, hard headed family of Italians- that is saying a lot!

Nana, thank you for today.  Thank you for looking at me with your own beautiful brown eyes and saying things to me through your beautiful gaze that you can no longer say with your voice.  You are and always will be in my heart.  Nana, my kids adore you.  You are the gentlest, most loving Grandmother and Great Grandmother and I am so blessed to have shared you with my four beautiful babies and husband.

It was hard to say goodbye today, not sure if it was indeed our last.  But like we always do, we sang You Are My Sunshine to you and it brought us great peace.  You are and will always be the greatest light, most warm and comforting ray of sunshine that will always remind of us of everything you represent.  My kids cried as we left you today, Nana.  They too, know that the end is near.  We love you with all of our hearts and thank you for each and everything you have done to make our lives brighter.