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We had Nana’s big celebration on 10/12, and the main gift to her was a book full of photos spanning across her lifetime, her diploma, wedding pictures, newspaper clippings, quotes, and memories that everyone in our family wrote down for her. My mom and aunt did an awesome job putting it together. It was a fun celebration, and great to see so many of our friends and family come together to celebrate. She truly has been such an integral part of our lives.
Here’s what I wanted Nana to know:
90 years. Wow, Nana. I think we all hope to follow in your footsteps and live such a full life. I have so many fond memories of you over the past 34 years because you have always been an involved and supportive grandmother. Here are just some of the things that stick out in my mind when I think of you:
*Playing in the backyard on Rockingham Drive and the many hours spent visiting in your carport
*The Saturday nights we came to your house for hamburgers and baked beans
*The fact that you ALWAYS had ice cream in your house–most of the time you had Buttered Pecan and Fudge Swirl (yum), and I used to love eating it out of those brown bowls!
*Homegrown tomatoes! I think you and Granddad produced the best I have ever eaten. I can still taste them, and am always disappointed when I buy tomatoes and they don’t even come close to comparing!
*Spending the night at your house and asking “Got enough room?” as I snuggled in bed between you and Granddad
*Playing endless games of Uno and Old Maid in our house on Port Republic–there was a lot of giggling during these games!
*The way you and Granddad would give us “love pats”
*Ground bologna, Sloppy Joes, vegetable soup, homemade apple sauce and apple pie!!!!! I have no idea how many times we all ate these dishes, but they were so enjoyed by all of us. I’ve never tasted an apple pie like the one you used to make.
*Seeing you and Granddad at both my soccer games and Chad’s soccer games. We may not have expressed it when we were so young, but that really meant a lot to us to have you there.
*The many beach trips we took with you. You were always such a trooper out in the waves. I can still picture you on the raft riding the waves. Even at 89 years old, you got yourself in that ocean! Good for you, Nana.
*The way you cheer for your Redskins. I will never forget the sound of you screaming and squealing at the television every time they play. I always thought it was so cute to see you decorate the inside and outside of your house with all of the decor you collected over the years.
*Now that I’m older and a mother, I love watching you play with my children. You have a way with them that makes them smile and giggle. It reminds me of how you were with me when I was growing up–fun loving and full of laughter! They just adore you.
I could go on and on about all of the memories I have and all of the things that I’ve admired about you over the years, but the most compelling thing about you Nana is that you have just always been there. I look back on my life and am thankful that you have been there for so many important moments. From soccer games, field hockey games, high school and college graduations, birthdays, holidays, our wedding, and most recently your great grandchildren’s birthdays–your presence has meant so much. No matter what the occasion is, you bring a sense of lightheartedness with your open arms, constant laughter, and loving ways. On your 90th birthday, I’d like to say thank you for being such a bright light in my life. Your care and concern along the way has meant so much to me, and I only hope that I will one day be the same bright light in my grandchildren’s lives.
I love you, Nana. Happy Birthday to you!!!! You have a lot to celebrate, and so many people that want to celebrate with you!
♥ Casey
And here’s what Sam wrote (which I think is adorable):
Nana,
When I think of you so many great memories come to mind. You’ve been a part of my life since I was a kid and have always treated me like one of your grandchildren. In fact, you treat everyone with that same genuine warmth, love, and sweetness. Everyone you meet feels that and its how you make an impact everywhere you go to everyone you meet.
I love that I can always get an extra hug when we visit. I love how I always have a happy Redskins fan to chat about the last game. I love your hugs. I love how you keep up with how all your grandchildren (and GREAT GRANDCHILDREN) are doing and growing. I love your hugs. I love that you don’t take any guff from Ronnie. I love haystacks at Christmas. I love that we see you so much more now that you live close. I love that our kids know ‘nana’ and get to play with you. I love your hugs. I love you.
I’m happy to be with you on your 90th birthday. I’m happy you’re so happy and healthy and we’ll have plenty more birthday’s to celebrate together. I’m also happy I know I’m gonna get some hugs!!
Happy Birthday Nana!
