Saturday, August 5, 2023, 7:24 AM Good morning sweet pea, You’re probably saying oh Nana stop calling me that but that’s what I called you when you were so young and I can’t help but call you that still. I’m sitting in the living room drinking my coffee trying to wake up. I had a hard time sleeping last night I don’t know why but I think I got at least seven hours of sleep maybe 6 1/2. The weather has been brutal this summer, and I think it’s taking a toll on me and everyone else. Sometimes I don’t want to do anything. I just stay home and watch Netflix. Today, August 5, marks the 16th year that you closed your eyes and left your earthly body. I will always remember that day. We were all standing around your hospital bed. I know it was like at 5 o’clock in the afternoon. Although it’s been 16 years the thought of losing, you doesn’t get any easier. I still get a lump in my throat and tears well up in my eyes. I don’t think we’ll ever get over losing you. The hurt and pain are still there. It remains hidden and stored away in my heart. A small picture of you wearing a Santa Claus hat is always in my living room facing me. I glance at it when I’m sitting in my chair, drinking my coffee or watching TV. There’s also another picture of Marisa and her little boy Gabriel Ezra. He is such a joy to us, but just because I say that it does not mean my love for you is any less. I get to watch Gabriel sometimes 2 to 3 days a week and yes it’s tiring but I really enjoy it. He is growing so fast I know he weighs at least 20 pounds or so. He is more active and he giggles and laughs a lot and moves around more too. He is rolling around now and I can hardly wait till he starts crawling. Nana’s gonna have to be chasing him everywhere! We’re still waiting for his first tooth. I think it’s going to come in any day now because sometimes he is grumpy and he’s drooling so much. I know you see what goes on down here so I don’t know why I feel like I have to explain everything to you, but Nana just likes to talk sometimes. Your Dad and his family are doing well. I’m sure he remembers your passing, but he shut down his emotions like most men do. He, Erika, Jasmine and Emily go to church every Sunday and I join them. I like to going out to lunch with them afterwards. Then I come home to feed the dog. Now that I had a dog door installed and Smokey has finally learned to go in and out I don’t worry about him peeing in my house. Emily is starting eighth grade this year. Where has the time gone? I pray that she and all students have a good and safe year. Lord, please watch over all of them and help the teachers and staff too. I remember how crazy the first couple weeks of school were, especially in transportation. I remember my boss had us working 12 hour days the first week and man was I ever tired. I got tired of answering the phone. One call after another! Parents called in all concerned about their child’s bus schedule. I don’t blame them. I think I would’ve been the same way. Well, so much for my reminiscing. I just want you to know that I love you and I miss you always. I’m not sure what the day will be like but you will be on my mind wherever I go and whatever I do. I’m not sure if I should give Marylou a call to get a trim. I also need to make a trip to Costco to get my nasal spray and allergy decongestant tablets. There’s always something to do and always something to buy. Did I tell you that I finally paid off my house. What a relief that is! And Nana got her self a brand new 2023 Honda CRV. I feel like deserve it and thank God I was able to buy it. Whatever I have I thank God for it because everything is His. He provides everything that we need. Every morning when I wake up, I thank God for another day And I pray that he watches over all of our loved ones. At night when I lay down, I say a prayer also to keep watch over me, my family and friends as we sleep. Thank you Jesus for your goodness and mercy in my life. Well, I think I’m gonna cut it short because I’m done drinking my coffee and I gotta eat a little something but first I have to jump in the shower. 16 years have come and gone, but the memory of you still remains. Love and miss you and I always will. I will try to swing by the cemetery to see you this weekend so until next time…hasta luego. Nana Dee xoxoxoxo