Today we will celebrate and remember a life well-lived. My step-grandmother, Joann, passed away Sunday, November 7th. The first time I met Joann, she smiled the warm smile she always had, and offered me tuna fish, made – in her own words – as close as she could to the way my own Mema (who had passed away a few years before) had made it.
She was a gracious, kind, generous person and though many miles separated us, whenever we spoke on the phone it was as if we had no distance or time between us. She loved my Pepa with her whole heart … and for that, I shall be eternally grateful. She loved his children and grandchildren … and my daughter knew her as Nana Jo. The page above, from C’s baby scrapbook, recounts the first time Pepa and Nana Jo met my girl. They proudly showed her off at a family reunion … and Nana Jo gave C a soft pink doll. A doll I still find tucked into my girl’s bag when she’s headed off to a friend’s house for a sleepover or curled into her arms as she sleeps.
Joann was truly a lady … and our family grieves the loss of such a beautiful person. We will celebrate her spirit and grace and we will remember the love she gave each of us. Heaven is sweeter for her presence there.
This week I wrote a post for Scripture Dig about The Difficult Thanks … and today I put those thoughts into practice. Acknowledging our loss, worshiping the Lord, and believing that one day we will be reunited with those we love.
Thankful for memories and future hope,
What a sweet tribute. Prayers for you all in the coming days.
Praying for you today – and thankful with you that you had Nana Jo in your life. I pray that my kids will have this kind of bond with their new Grandma Sue – God is good to bring faithful people into our lives!
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Crying thankful tears with you, girl! :’ )
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Teri Lynne, this is truly precious. Obviously written from the heart by someone who knows and loves Jo Ann. I think that your writing gift is that you have found that place where your heart meets your talent and it is beautiful! Judy