It is with great sadness that I write this post. As you may know, my beloved Nana went to her new heavenly home on October 25, 2007.
Nana was with me from the beginning. I remember looking into her beautiful eyes almost immediately after I was born. She would look at me with such love... like I had given her a reason to live! I really got to know Nana those first few weeks of my life. She would change my diapers, fix my bottles, wash my clothes, and wake up at 2 am to soothe my crying. Now we all know, THAT'S true love!
My first trip to Nana's house was during Thanksgiving of last year. My first plane ride was uneventful, but when I arrived at Nana's house, my life seemed complete. She had set up a nursery for me, decked out with my own crib, duck mobile, toys, blankets, burp clothes, tons of clothes, and my own rocking chair! Mom and dad haven't even bought me a rocking chair, yet. The smells of Thanksgiving dinner tantalized my senses. Even though I enjoyed my bottles, it was a little disappointing that I hadn't started eating solid foods yet. Some of Nana's turkey and dressing would have really hit the spot.
It was hard leaving after Thanksgiving, but Christmas came quickly and I was back in the arms of my Nana once again. When mom suggested that I go to the nursery during the church service, Nana insisted that she hold me instead. If I got fussy, Nana took me outside and made me feel better. She shared all of her secrets with me and even told me some funny stories about mom.
Nana made a few visits to Texas the next year, but my favorite times with Nana were when I visited her house. Nana's house was my home away from home and in many ways it was better than home! By my visit in June, I had "matured" quite a bit. We went shopping, played together and ate lots of fun things. I remember going out and buying my very first pair of "real" shoes. That was a fun experience. Nana even gave me my first taste of sweet tea... the nectar of the gods! If it were up to mom, I wouldn't have tried anything like that until I was at least 20.
As diffiult as it is to admit, my last and best memory of Nana was on my birthday. Although she was in the hospital and feeling kind of yucky, she made my day special. I'll always remember sharing my birthday cake with her... Nana helped me eat it right off of my high chair tray.
While it seems unfair that I only knew my Nana for one short year, I know that it was a miracle that I even got to see her. And even though we didn't spend much time together, I already know that I'm a lot like her. I've got a vibrant personality oozing out of my every pore... that was my Nana.
Thank you, Nana, for loving me and for loving my mom. I know that I've made it this far only because you showed her what it's like to be a good mother. I look forward to seeing you one day soon.
Love,
Weston
-"Grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever." ~Author Unknown
3 comments:
Ashley...
What can I say....This is so special to me...I have shared it with some of Mom's friends...Hope you don't mind...I LOVE YOU...Dad
Weston,
What a beautiful tribute. Your Nana was a wonderful person. We LOVED to hear her tell stories about school. She loved her kindergarteners and gave them that very important start in school.
When your Nana was diagnosed over 20 years ago with cancer, I was so sad. Rhonda and John were a very close couple. I knew that he would be lost without her. They loved you and Bennett so much. John is a saint, but how could he raise his 2 kids without Rhonda? Kids just need their Mothers. God saw fit to let Nana stay here with her 2 children. My mother worked at your Mother's elementary school. She was present when your Mother received awards at the end of 5th grade. She watched Nana, looking so proud, but so sick. My mother thought and prayed that if your Nana would live long enough to see your Mom graduate from high school, it would be a miracle and a blessing. Look how long the Lord let her live!!! Not only did she see your Mom graduate from high school, but college. She got to be the Mother of the Bride, and, most importantly, she got to see you!!!
Nanas are not all alike, and yours was one of the best. I am sorry that you did not know her for long, but she will live on, as long as we remember her. And she will live in you. And one day, if we love Jesus as I know you do, we will be with her again in Heaven. Love, Cheryl Burley Traylor
Weston,
Your Nana was so special to me; not only did she teach my daughter, Samantha, but she gave her the academic start that was needed. Samantha will always be know as a "Waller's Wonder." Samantha has great memories of Rhonda. Your Nana would always give her a hug each time she saw her and would say "There's one of my Waller's Wonders."
I got to know Rhonda through John. John hired me at Trindale Elementary School and it was that same year that she was diagnosed with cancer. Your Grandfather was so upset and we as a faculty immediately began our prayers. Some 20 years later we still were able to enjoy your Nana. I think it is incredible the number of children she has touched throughout her career.
Rhonda Waller was a phenomenal wife, mother, Nana,friend, and teacher. She will be missed.
Love, Sherri Trotter
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