A few weeks ago, it had been a VERY long week, and I just needed a little bit of a mental break. So, I went outside my Nanny's house, got the box of sidewalk chalk, and headed for her front walk way.
A few minutes later, I heard the door open and the shuffling of her little feet. She scooted her chair to a position she felt was perfect. Perfect to see the road, the moon, and my "drawings". [Spoiler Alert: I can't actually draw]
After she got situated, it takes her old bones a few tries these days, she started talking about the mountains that surrounded her when growing up.
Nanny grew up in what is now Claytor Lake State Park in Virginia. She grew up in the cutest little white farm house with Granny and Papa Rakes, and her handful of brothers and sisters. Nanny was the 2nd youngest, and probably the most mischievous.
When I was younger, she would tell me how she would have to walk uphill both to school and back home. Over the years, she's changed her story a bit - she only had to walk up the mountain to school.
That night, she would describe the mountains that made her childhood magical. She described them in all the seasons and what they looked like during the day, and during the night.
I got the idea I would try to draw the mountains for her the way she was describing them, totally forgetting I am limited to stick figures and flowers. So, the mountains that ran into beautiful fields ended up looking like jellyfish floating in the night sky.
Of course Nanny said it looked beautiful, but she's my grandma, so that's what she's supposed to say. And while the moon and the stars looked quite nice, what I realize now is, she's what I wish I could have captured.
Nanny comes to life when she starts talking about her life. And trust me, she HAS stories. Whenever she tells a story, whatever time it was in her life, she begins to embody that girl.
Last night, when talking about growing up at the lake, which was then just a little River, she began to sound like a little girl. She had quite the sparkle in her eye, and I could hear the longing in her voice for those days.
Nanny left home her Junior year of high school and moved to Stuart, Va. She lived in the Stuart Hospital and began training to be a nurse - something she was clearly sent to this Earth to do.
Sometimes when talking to her about her childhood, I feel she wishes she hadn't grown up so fast, because, well, she did. I think that's why whenever she talks about her childhood, I hear so clear the longing in her voice to be that little red-headed girl again.
Life was hard, but simpler back then. Her family basically lived off their land, and she grew up working hard. Her parents instilled great qualities in her, qualities she has kept with her.
My grandma always wanted her grandchildren, especially her granddaughters, to be a nurse like her. Something else about Nanny - she's stubborn as a mule. And the granddaughters? We all are too! (Don't try to argue with me ladies, you know it's true!) So, at least for myself, I kept telling her No. No! Nanny, we've already discussed this, No! Why don't you go be a nurse then Nanny? (Stupidest comeback in the HISTORY of comebacks - she'd already been a nurse for 50 some years!)
I never thought I would end up working in the medical field. It never seemed to interest me. But, now that I've been working in it for the past 6 years, I can't imagine doing anything else.
Grandma always taught that hard work and a good attitude will get you far in life. I can testify of that! I've worked my way up the medical chain, and though I've hit a plateau of promotions currently due to my training, I'm still seeing benefits of that advice by my interactions with my patients.
I love talking to her about being a nurse. I love it's something I have in common with her. I love how she advises me on ways to love the difficult patients and on the ways to make each patient feel they are my number 1 concern!
There are many times that I wish I could have know that little red headed girl, but I'm grateful that I've grown to know and love the sassy, now more of a salt-n-pepper haired, firecracker of a woman. She's beautiful. Her soul is beautiful.
Nanny doesn't like the Internet. She thinks too many people can see your business, so if you see her don't tell her she's on the Facebook - she may disown me!
Do you have memories of your grandparents? Parents? Your own childhood? Reflect on your own, or get to know the memories of your families. You won't regret it!
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