Saying Good-Bye to Nana

My sweet grandmother would have turned 96 today.
Every year, immediately after her birthday she would say 'I'm almost ___' and jump
towards the next year, which always made us laugh.

I kind of stopped abruptly while I was recapping the end of June and decided to write about Nana's last few days with us in a separate post.

Friday afternoon (6/24/16), Leslie, Noah, Zay and Connor and I went to Jackie's house to see Nana. We stopped off at Sonic to get her a vanilla shake because it was pretty much all she would eat. And that is generous. She would take the tiniest bites after tons of encouragement. She just kept saying 'I can't eat that' and closing her mouth.

 

When it was just Jackie and I in her room before we left, we told her that I was pregnant and having another baby. The conversation went like this:
Jackie: Nana, Kelli has some news
Me: I'm having another baby. I'm pregnant.

Nana: I know.

Jackie: Well she just found out so you couldn't have known.
Me: Nana you're going to have a eighth great grand-baby

Nana: I already know that.

 

To be honest I didn't think that we need to tell her because she didn't really know who I was and I didn't want to confuse her anymore, but it was a really special moment for me and I'm so thankful Jackie encouraged me to tell her our news. It was really the last conversation I had with her.

The last time I saw her with her teeth in and that she really truly looked like herself. Sick, but like my Nana.

 

I think its sweet and funny that she said she already knew. She was really good at playing off her confusion, but it was also comforting to me for her to say that.

 

Sunday evening my Dad called and told me that the end was near and he was going to Jackie's house (where Nana lived) and would plan on being there until she passed. The hospice nurse had indicated that it could be within 72 hours days. I decided to go home that evening and be ready to go see Nana the next day.

 

Monday morning Dad sent us this text.

 

I went to work for a few hours and then headed to Jackie's house which is about an hour away.

Nana was totally different than I had seen her on Friday. Her teeth had been removed because she was getting sores on her gums, she wasn't opening her eyes or talking at all. I took a couple pictures with her, but I since she looked so different I don't want to post them here.

 

My cousin James was in town from Houston and all of the grandkids were able to come together Monday evening. We decided to all go in her room and say something to her and then pray together.

It was a very special time and I won't ever forget it. I told her that I loved her and am thankful for the 95 years she had with us - well 32 she had with me ;) and that she had taught us to be a close strong family and would continue to be after she passed.

 

We all had dinner at Jackie's on Monday as her sweet friends and neighbors had brought over a ton of delicious food.

 

 

Tuesday, I did the same thing. I dropped Connor off, went to work for a couple hours and then spent the rest of the day at Jackie's. At this point the nurse indicated that she could last 5 or more days. My cousin James was preparing to head back to Houston Wednesday morning and I think my Dad was considering going home too.

 

Tuesday evening we discussed her wishes for her funeral arrangements, what she would wear and special memories. I sent everyone this picture from Christmas 2015. I think it was the last picture we had all together as a family and I'm thankful Cecil was able to use the tripod to capture it.

 

Wednesday morning, my Dad called as I was getting up and said she had just passed. Her two children, niece, son in law, and grandson were able to be in the room with her as she passed.

I'm extremely thankful for this time that we had with her during her last days. I've never had time like this with any of my other three grandparents and I will treasure these days forever.

I told Dad I'd like to see her and he said 'well, come on.' So, Connor and I got ready and headed back to Jackie's. He hadn't been there the few days before and he was actually well behaved and I think brought a little sunshine to everyone.


I was able to spend a few minutes with Nana alone which I'm very thankful for.

Jackie and Dad were busy making phone calls and decisions. The funeral director from Nana's town of Honey Grove came by and took her in a hearse. I'm forever thankful that I was able to be there for this. My other grandmother was cremated and I always felt like I didn't get a chance to say good-bye.

After James and I got lunch at chick fil a for everyone, Connor and I headed home.

This was one of my favorite pictures of Nana and Connor. I just love how happy she is and how healthy she looks. I made it my profile picture on facebook. ;)

 

On the way home, Connor slept and I had to wake him up when we got to the resale shop.

I wanted to try to find a reasonably priced one time wear outfit for the funeral.
Blue is Nana's favorite color and I happened to find the outfit on the left.
I texted family that evening to make sure they thought it was the best choice.

 

Thursday, I took Connor to school and stayed home from work.

I got my hair fixed at DryBar and got a manicure and pedicure at the mall while Cecil shopped for funeral clothes.

Thursday evening we headed to my parents house to stay the night and Mr. Stinker decided he did not want to sleep in the crib. So it was a long night for me.

Friday morning, July 1st, we buried Nana.

 

The church provided our family with a breakfast before the funeral and lots of friends/family greeted us in the Church dining hall before the service started.

 

The church had tons of beautiful flowers, which I think speaks to how much Nana was loved, and how much her two children are loved. 

And....look at this beautiful organ. This is the McKenzie United Methodist Church in Honey Grove, Texas. I feel like I grew up in this church. It has been the most consistent church in my life and I'm not sure when I will be back, but its a small, beautiful, old church and I love it.

 

Dad and Jackie decided to pick the exact same casket Nana had chosen for her husband (Ampa) in 2003 - which I think is lovely.

The spray on top and to the left of the casket were BEAUTIFUL.
Jackie picked the colors and the florist is her friend from school. He did an amazing job.
But that's the thing - everyone that had a hand in the funeral knew Nana and LOVED Nana.
And I could feel the love.
On the flowers standing up they had ribbons for us Grandchildren with N-A-N-A on them. :)


The services were super sweet. My cousin, James, and my brother, Russell, spoke.
They had both spoken at Ampa's funeral and they did a wonderful job.
Nana's niece read a poem about mothers and the ministers talked about
how joyful, happy, and loving Nana was throughout her not always easy life.
And how she was always smiling.
Always always smiling.
That was mentioned a few times and I had never taken note of it, but now realize she was always smiling.
And my entire life people have said the same about me.
I'd like to think I get it from Nana.

 Nana's one wish was that her grandchildren be her pallbearers.
I was a little nervous because I had never done that before (and I was super sick in the heat),
but it turned out great.

My sweet sweet friend Michelle drove all the way from Austin to come to the funeral in Honey Grove. What a sweet friend.

After the graveside services, we headed back to the church for a huge lunch that the church provided for us. We felt so much love. After eating, we went to Nana's house and spent some time together.
We all took a plant or two home and decided to come back another time to collect her things.

My Nana was such an inspiration to me. Just was the most kind person I've ever known.
And I'm truly blessed and thankful for the long life she was able to share with us.