Happy Birthday Nana!

Today my mom, more affectionately known to many as Nana, is 91 years young.  This blog is dedicated to her.

What a blessing it is to be her daughter!

My memories of my mother are pleasant ones.  I used to call her my 'head cheerleader.'  She was a constant source of support and encouragement.  Much of who I am today can be attributed to the positive influences of my mother and my grandmother (more about my grandmother on her birthday next week).  I speak of my mom in past tense, not because she is deceased, but because Alzheimer's has adversely affected her cognitive abilities to the point that sometimes she doesn't know who she is speaking with when I call her on the phone.  The memories of her live on in me, though. 

My mom said that growing up, I was a 'daddy's' girl.  I'm not too sure about that.  My father was an awesome provider.  I never really lacked anything. Not while growing up, anyway.  I grew up in a middle class family and I knew if I wanted anything, all I had to do was ask my father.  But mom gave much more than material possessions.  Mom gave of herself.  Mom loved me unconditionally, totally, completely.  She believed I could do anything, become anything, accomplish anything I set my mind to do.  Even when I fell short of her expectations (which I did frequently), she would still believe in me and encourage me to keep trying.  'I can't' was not part of her vocabulary nor would she allow it to be a part of mine.

Mom genuinely loved people and people loved her (and still do).  You couldn't be around her without feeling loved and accepted, no matter where you were in life.  In her older years, youth and young adults gravitated toward her.  She was always so open and loving.  Her job as an administrative assistant to the Dean of the Library School at the University of Chicago was perfect for her.  The students loved her and were constantly 'hanging out' in her office.

Mom always lived a 'good' moral life.  She had been exposed to church and religion all of her life.  Her father had even been a Methodist minister.  Her heart's desire was always to help and encourage others in what ever ways she could.  It wasn't until her retirement years, however, that she fully accepted Christ as Savior.  And if you were ever around her, you knew that Jesus was her Lord.  She made sure of that.  Somehow, the conversation would always turn to accepting Christ and going to church, whether she was talking to a friend or family member or even if she was talking to a complete stranger.  The last time I visited her, Alzheimer's had fully set in, yet before I left, she broke into a very LOUD rendition of 'Jesus Loves Me.'

In many ways, I think my life now has begun to mirror my mom's  I genuinely love people and people love me (I think).  I am unashamedly Christian.  I love youth, many of whom affectionately call me 'Grandma.'  My heart's desire is to minister, encourage and love others.  That is my ministry and the purpose of this blog.

Thanks Mom for your unfaltering love.  Thank you for your encouragement and influence in my life and in the lives of others.  Thank you for your legacy.  Your love is priceless.  I am indeed a blessed woman!

Happy Birthday, Nana!

Love,

Your daughter