Tomorrow would have been Nanny's 77th birthday. I miss her, and I know Pam does too; probably not a member of the family that does not miss and think about her frequently as we enter into the busiest and fastest 3 months of the year.
Happy Birthday Nanny. I love you. I look forward to seeing you soon.
This year, we are gathering as a family at our home for Thanksgiving; which is my favorite holiday of the year. It will be a family reunion of sorts, with many of us having not been together since our last reunion here at our home 7 years ago.
But, it will also be a celebration, as we come together to be thankful that Carter has overcome and beaten his cancer; while we remain saddened that our precious Nanny did not beat hers.
Our feast this year will be centered around a menu full of Nanny's favorite's, and I for one, can't wait to be the co-sous chef with Angela as we take over the kitchen to prepare the feast.
I will undoubtedly not be as un-flappable in the kitchen as Nanny always was. She somehow kept her cool when 70 sets of butts & elbows were jostling for position in the kitchen as she tried to finish her work. For me, it will take a combination of Valium, and blocking the entrances into the kitchen, which is about 180 degrees different than Nanny's approach.
No wait, she did the Valium thing too! :-)
I remember how Nanny always loved to have the family together at the holiday's, how she went out of her way to make everyone's favorites. I remember the fireplace fires, the football, the feasts, the late night games, the cousin's sleeping over. I remember 12 girls squeezing into the bathroom to use it all at the same time. I remember Spencer racing at light speed from one side of the fence to the other side. I remember the Oldsmobile's. I remember sitting on the front porch for hours doing nothing but yak and watch cars drive by. I remember when she brought us to tears when she asked if Jackie was still dating the moron. I remember in 2000 that Nanny was so overjoyed when she got her front landscaping re-done, and how she was so proud of her "thing on a stick". I fondly remember all of her visits to our home when she would bring her Mazzio's free fill it up cup. Then she would sit at the bar, dangling her bird legs, and be perfectly content for hours on end talking and watching; just to be around us. Wow, what love.
Man, I love those memories. And I love you Nanny. Happy Birthday!
