Grateful Reflections - A Mother's Day Tribute to an Incredibly Loved Nana

The first time I met my mother-in-law, I was just 20 years old. Her home was immaculate (which I loved of course) and she had cinnamon candies - a whole jar of them -- right there for me to snack on all day long. She took me shopping ... and made me feel at home, even though I was far from my own. She made that first Christmas beautiful and reveled in her extended family, never guessing, I'm sure, that I would someday give her her first grandchild.
Sandra is the name of my mother-in-law (fondly called mom-in-love now). She is an amazing and talented woman. She is an artist, a retired nurse, a devoted wife, a dedicated mother and daughter and sister, and a loving, doting, engaging, just-can't-get-enough-of-her Nana.


Above all else with Sandra -- above the great hugs, above the beautiful homemade quilts and baskets, above the dedicated time she spends helping me decorate or paint or sew whenever she is here, above the knowledge I have that she would do anything for me if I needed her -- even above all these things, my mom-in-love is best known and loved as an extraordinary Nana.


She's a natural born teacher and thinks nothing of spending hours preparing a craft or project to share with her grandchildren. She has made quilts for and stenciled their rooms. She has sat for hours (I can see her now in my mind's eye) building and listening and praising Lego creations. She has faithfully endured and watched and supported our homeschooling. She has created photo albums with the boys of their own nature photography. She has sewed doll clothes and bear clothes for Isabelle. She has patiently taught me the art of quilting.


When something needs to be done that requires patience and creativity, no one around here looks to me. It is a common occurence to hear from my 6 year old's mouth, "Well, when Nana comes we'll take care of it!" In our minds, Nana can do anything. She can paint murals and sew aprons. She can play "Stratego" for what seems like hours with the boys. She is able AND willing -- this, as you know, can only be accomplished by a grandparent! We love our Nana and can't imagine life without her.


Thank you Nana for all you do. You are irreplaceable in our lives. We miss you terribly but you're just a heartbeat away to us! Happy Mother's Day ... with many hugs and kisses from your cheering section.