Legacy of Love

Last Monday, we were told that Brandon's Nanny was failing quickly. Thirteen years ago, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. It was not until 2 1/2 years ago that she was moved into a nursing home. Although this was a difficult decision for her children to make, they knew that the she would be receiving around the clock care, as her condition was getting worse.
Last week, her children spent the days and nights by her bedside. Throughout the week, stories were told, tears were shed, and laughter filled the room. Although this was a sad time and our hearts were broken, Brandon and I couldn't help but notice the feeling of anticipation and excitement we were feeling. We then realize the reason why we were feeling excited was because we knew something big was going to happen. Brandon's Nanny, the woman who played such a vital role in their boys' childhoods, was soon to be with Jesus!!
Early Saturday morning, Nanny saw Jesus face to face.
Brandon took part in the funeral service this morning. I would like to share part of his sermon.

(I am taking this from Brandon's notes and piecing it together)

...I have the honor today of representing this family as well as remembering and celebrating the life of this woman we all loved. I know of no other person who loved her family more or was more loved by her family than this one. Some of you could speak of her love as a sister. If Papaw were here, he could speak of her love as a wife. Some of you can speak of her love as a mother. Some of you could speak of her love as a friend. All of you can speak of her love to you in so many different ways. And those of us who God has blessed have the chance to speak of her love as a Nanny. And that's what I have the privilege of doing today.

Her legacy of love was born on June 2, 1929. Times were hard, standards were more difficult, and material things for her family were few. Hardships were a normal part of her early years. In spite of all of this, love led her to care for and help raise a number of brothers and sisters who were younger than she was.

Her legacy continued when on December 13th 1947, she married the only man she ever loved.

Love led her to leave home and go with with him to Michigan to find work during those difficult times. On January 19th, 1952, there, love for each other introduced into the world a brand new life when Gerald entered into the legacy of love. Two years later on April 4th, 1954, that same love brought Lee Ann into the world. And that same love held the family together when shortly after that the Lord took Lee Ann home to Heaven.

One year later on April 5th, 1955, love introduced Sandy into the world. They brought their family back to Franklin where on May 26th, 1958, love introduced Polly into the world. She showed great love for her family during those years. Laying herself aside, she at times went without so the ones she loved might have. She took what little they had and with love, turned it into a lot. And in love, her children grew up to carry on her legacy.
Beginning in 1974, that legacy brought into the world several grandchildren who became the focus of her affection. In 1984, love caused her heart to break when the Lord took the love of her life home to Heaven. But the love she had for her children and grandchildren kept her giving. In 1988, when a terrible accident threatened to take her life, her love for her children and grandchildren kept her living.
All the stories of love that we as grandchildren could tell are far too many to count. These are stories of eating a gallon of chocolate ice cream and then being asked if you needed to go to the store to get more. Stories of her fighting teachers and even other kids if they so much as looked at her boys wrong. Stories of a few whippings with switches because she loved us too much to let us jump from the roof of the carport. Stories of getting up early in the morning to make biscuits and gravy with sausage for the boys that would surely test her love to its limits before the long day was over. Stories of some of the best Christmas mornings in the world. Stories of some of the best food made with all the love in her heart.
Stories of love.
Then on Saturday morning with many of the ones she loved gathered around her, we prayed that the Lord would give her rest from her struggle. And in love the God of love reached down and lifted her out of suffering and into eternal Glory to be lavished in His love forever.
From beginning to end, her life was and is a legacy of love.
And we have the opportunity to carry on this same legacy.

Undoubtedly, Nanny left a legacy of love.
I was very proud of Brandon this morning as he stood to represent his family and his Nanny. I am thankful for all the ways he shows me he loves me...a part of living that legacy.

(I will try to get a picture of Brandon and his Nanny to post on here.)