I am way overdue on a post, I know, but things have been a little busy. My beloved Grandma Nash passed away about a week and a half ago. Below are a few pictures from last summer, and a tribute I wrote about her the day after she died. I will post again soon about the other happenings in our lives.
I was blessed to be the 2nd grandchild born to Thelma and Homer Nash. I was a bit of a surprise, being a girl, since Thelma had birthed 4 boys and then my brother came along. Being around so many boys, however, Grandma did not lose her femininity. She loved cooking, jewelry, flowers, and clothes. It was like heaven itself to visit Grandma and Granddaddy’s house as a kid. We were greeted with fresh sweet tea, and often a spaghetti dinner followed by chocolate cake. One of my favorite memories was waking up to the smell of breakfast, and not just any breakfast. Grandma’s famous grits, which she could keep in perfect consistency for hours on the stove, awaited us as we straggled in one by one. There were also eggs, bacon, and toast. Grandma was the picture of southern hospitality, but it was truly genuine. I never once heard her gossip or talk badly about anyone. She loved people unconditionally and had great relationships with her daughters-in-law. She taught me those unspoken but valuable lessons of what a family should look like, by her love. She lost her beloved after 50 years of marriage, and it was a privilege for me to watch them together. As a child I used to tell my parents to “kiss like Grandma and Granddaddy.” Any time one of them left they would kiss three quick times, which meant “I love you.” To honor her, on our wedding day, Steven and I gave each other three quick kisses after our vows.
I am sitting in the room that my grandparents shared for most of their married life, just one day after Grandma went to be with the Lord. Earlier today I saw the dry-erase board in the kitchen, which Grandma wrote on several years ago. Thankfully no one has erased it, as I believe it was a theme in her life. Several years ago Grandma was struck with a disease that severely weakened her, and she has been unable to get out of bed without assistance, living in a hospital or nursing home for years. Despite all this, she has maintained her sweet smile, enjoying life as much as she could. I never heard her complain. Looking back on it, I hope I would be that brave. She truly had a humble, grateful spirit, and honestly believed she was “too blessed to be depressed.” What a legacy.
This 31 year chapter in my life is ending, the one with my grandparents. From the blessed childhood of growing up on their knees, to learning valuable lessons from them as a teenager, to watching my own children bring them joy, it has been a gift. Hopefully I can pay it forward one day if the Lord sees fit to give me grandchildren.
