Remembering Nana

Really been missing my nana a lot lately. I guess its because the holidays are approaching and she is not here for the first Christmas of my whole life. Its a little rough but I know she is here with me in spirit. It is also tough because she died before I graduated, and she really wanted to be there. She took me to my first day of Kindergarten. She was there for everything. I know she is watching over me now. She inspired me to be a special ed teacher from a very early age. She taught me that no matter how different people are, we love them just the same, because God made them very special. When I was little we used to talk to the ladies in her home who had special needs and she told me that I should love them even more =) she would also always tell me about her son Tommy who had downs syndrome. I never met him because he died before I was born. Her stories about him inspired me to become a special ed teacher. I loved him and felt like he was a part of my life. Nana died before I went to Winona, she passed away on Valentines day this year, but I know she is proud. Tommy's picture now sits on my desk at school. I will put it in my office someday as a constant reminder of why I started =). I wrote a poem for nana today and I would like to share it with you. Some of you may have seen it on Facebook, but I decided to share it here too. I hope you all have a blessed holiday, and remember all of the loved ones you have up in heaven with the Lord.

I wish Heaven had a phone,

So I could tell you to come home.

I miss you and I want to see you

To have you kiss my cheek

To have you hold me close

And to hear your soft voice speak

As the Holiday's approach,

They will not be the same,

but I will see you again,

when God calls my name. 


Almost a year you’ve been gone

It seems way too long

The memories that I have

Make it seem not so bad

The songs you used to sing

Still joy to me they bring

As I hear them in my head

I remember things you have said

You have taught me to grow

And for kindness to show

To everyone around me

For it will make them smile

You are missed by so many

And for those who didn’t know

I share your wonderful memories

Of how you helped me grow.

You made me who I am

By showing me the way

You taught me how to love

Everyone in every way