Eulogy for Nana
Dale said the preacher asked if anyone wanted to sing or speak at the funeral. I said, “I would love to sing a song.” There was an immediate look of fear in the eyes of my family. I can imagine them saying “Lord, please don’t let Karen’s tone-deaf daughter sing a song.” No worries, I am smart enough to know I can't sing.
Bull headed, Stubborn, obstinate, tenacious. Pick your adjective! Any of these could be used to describe my grandmother. She was born with a rebellious soul. These characteristics infuriated us; however, they are the same traits that she passed down to all the women she left behind. It is these same traits that often drove us crazy that have defined our place in life. If you don’t understand, let me explain…
When I was young my grandmother pulled a gun out on my “dad”. He was to be home watching me while my mother was at work. Instead, he was at a bar. Another story, she hit a guy with her purse, smacked him in his head. The man was hitting his pregnant wife. She threatened him. Told him if he touched her again…well I don’t think we would want to know what she would do. She told us about when she was pregnant and my grandfather was working, the landlord wanted to raise the rent. He stopped by with another man. He wanted to “show” the apartment. She said, “hell no”. You schedule an appointment. She was never afraid to correct any of us, very often It was often Sharon :-). I don’t even remember the occasion. What I remember is Nana pointing at Sharon and saying...” YOU”, outside now.” Sharon looked back and said…” I think I am in trouble.” Honestly, If you ever wanted someone to have your back. It was her. She wouldn’t ask how far. She would just jump up and go. Of all the stories she told us, Nana’s favorite story of all was what happened the day she met pap pap. We all know that story…we heard it a million times. Sometimes to nauseam.
So when I say that it’s these same characteristics she left behind in us, it’s because she left behind a generation of strong women. She left behind women that are not afraid to be leaders. She left behind granddaughters that are engineers, counselors, and lawyers. She left behind women that she was proud of.
As I look out and see her great-grandchildren in tears, I say to Miles, Knighton, Paige, Noah, and Kassi. This pain will eventually lighten. It may take some time. Just live a life that will make her proud. Karissa, she’s already proud of you. To my mother who always made sure she had dinner, even if she wasn’t cooking she made sure I had it covered. My Mother who always made sure her bills were paid, her pills were loaded for each day, took her to doctor appointments and hair appointments. Also to Mary Anne, who so graciously filled in when she was not able to do these things. I think a round of applause is order (clap).
Well Nana, goodbye, for now. You will definitely be missed. I am grateful to have been given the gift of having you in my life for 50 years. I love you.
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