Monday, September 1, 2025
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My dearest Nana,
For all the words we’ve shared, I’m at a near loss for them now.
I’ve been blessed beyond measure to have known you. I have proudly described you as the “Forrest Gump of Nanas” for the extraordinary woman you are and the life you lived, which you shared stories of as though they were so simple and common. The past came alive, the violin and piano music swirled, the characters were all so vivid. I relived it all through your memories and only wish I had your keen recall so I could have kept each word. I treasure the memories of your sharing them with me and those will never leave my heart.
I know how much you longed to be with Papa. I’ve never known a couple with deeper devotion or a more enduring love, longer than many lifetimes. I’m certain you didn’t want to spend one more anniversary apart and so you went, to be there in time to celebrate this one with your beloved Walter once again. Papa and Marcie and countless other dear ones must have greeted you with such love and joy. As I know you will for me one day.
I’m grateful, Nana. So incredibly grateful. For the time we did have together, even if it would never be enough. For the warmth of your welcome. For giving me so much. My heritage. My open, kind, and curious heart. The stories of our family. I promise to be the story keeper now and pass on what I can.
I will see you, Nana, in the small dimple of my smile. And in my son’s brows, and in my daughter’s hands, in their musical gifts, and so much more. And I will hear you, as I already do, joyfully greeting me, “sweetheart!” and gently guiding me with your wisdom. You will never be far from me.
As you sit holding Papa’s hand once more, please give him a kiss on the cheek from the kids and me and know how much we love you both. You are missed more than words can say and I pray you’ll watch over us until we are all together again someday.
I love you, my Nana. ❤️
Carissa