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| Nana & Daddy Vince - May 2011 |
I am blessed. Growing up in such a large, close knit family was and still is great. We hiked up and down mountains to picnic at the foot of waterfalls. Daddy Vince and Nana traveled to Colorado once a year to ski the Rockies, I got to join them in 8th grade. We sipped coffee on Saturday mornings and fed the ducks at Furman. They invested in a lake house on Keowee to provide a central hub for family activities. I'm so thankful for the positive outlook Nana had about life. Her first battle with cancer was 30 years ago, she could have gotten discouraged, but continued to dream and live!
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| At Lake Keowee |
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| Blue Ridge High Class of '07 |
Nana was always supportive of my activities in school and supported my creativity. This past summer when I was between jobs, away from home, and a newlywed she wrote me a letter of encouragement. Nana always had something nice to say.
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| Daddy Vince & Nana in Charleston - Summer 2011 |
The original Cervera Family, donned "The Fab Five." This crew should win a Best Care Givers award. Each daughter has stuck close, organized/attended doctors' visits, stayed on the road, and spent nights. While their strengths are different, each one was equally important in taking care of our Nana. Thank you Daddy Vince, Mom(Susan), Sandy, and Sally for being prime examples of selfless caregivers.
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| Enjoy a day at Furman's lake |
The most I remember about Nana will be from my older years. I'm so thankful to have gotten to experience her gracefulness and mercy. No matter the news she received from the doctors she was always stoic. Nana took care of herself from the inside out. Her beauty radiated each day of her life. Her exceptional qualities are also seen through her daughters, grand kids and great grand kids. Personally I think I got the "document everything" gene. Nana always recorded details, I do the same, with pictures.
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| Christmas 2009 |
When Jeff and I got engaged in April 2010 we didn't know if we'd get to share our wedding day with Nana. Only the Lord knew that He was going to bless us with two more years. Also in that time Katie and Tony were married and Vincent Cole was born! The past few years have been precious to get to spend time with Nana and Daddy Vince.
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| Farnham-Williams wedding - May 2009 |
This embrace has inspired each person in our family to love in the tough times and in the good times. Each of us has truly been blessed to witness such sweet hearts in love. This picture tells me that the best is yet to come in my marriage with Jeff. Love Lasts.
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| True Love |
They say you see someone's true character when that person becomes ill. This is enlightening, Nana showed to be gracious, witty, grateful, and kind. One of the many updates I received from Mom during this last month was that Nana quoted Psalm 23 to Sandy. This only confirms what we already knew, Nana was a strong and Godly woman.
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| Riding off in the Benz |
This may be one of my many favorites pictures. Daddy Vince and Nana enjoying a day on Lake Keowee. They did a great job of surrounding themselves with family. At each family gathering Nana always made an effort to speak one-on-one with each person there. She would ask specific things about their career or schooling and give them her undivided attention.
The last time I got to visit with Nana, while in discomfort, she still had high spirits. Instead of focusing on herself she asked about Sunnie, Jeff, weddings I had coming up, and working at Robot Candy. She said, "I'm so proud of all my grandchildren". . . one of the last things she said to me.
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| Nana as "Queen For A Day" enjoying her visitors |
Daddy Vince, we love you and look forward to enjoying more time with you. You have always been a strong example to each of your family members. Thank you for being so involved in our lives. You are such a blessing to Jeff and I!
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| Lake Keowee - Summer 2010 |
My Sweet Nana
February 13, 1929 - April 18, 2012
I thank you so much for the photo journal of your grandmother. She was very special and the exception rather than the rule. My uncle will miss her greatly but you all have a wonderful family that I know will be there for him. Please let him know that he is always in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny. I am so deeply blessed by these pictures and comments about your grandparents. I had the incredible privilege of growing up in Greenville and your grandparents and my parents (Steve and Gloria Taylor) were the best of friends. They all met at BJU and their friendships were sealed for all time. I am the youngest of our Taylor clan. Your grandpa taught me to ski on Lake Hartwell. And your precious Nana treated me and my siblings like we were hers. My mom and your Nana spent many years doing life together while their husbands travelled in ministry and while they spent many hours on the Furman Golf Course! My sibs and I actually refer to them as Uncle Vince and Aunt Millie.
ReplyDeleteI know that my mom, Glo, was one of the first to welcome Aunt Millie into Heaven and they have probably already taken a wonderful walk and had a cup of heavenly coffee as they talk about spending the rest of eternity with our sweet Jesus! One day we will all be together there and these wonderful parents and grandparents who paved the way for us will enjoy seeing us all be together!
Blessings,
Tammy Taylor Jensen
Thank you ladies for reading my post and for taking the time to comment. It is so great to hear what others feel about Nana and Daddy Vince. I'll pass your kinds words to the rest of the family.
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny,
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry to hear about your Grandmother. She was a wonderful person and you have given her a great tribute with this message and pictures. Such fond memories. We are blessed to have been included in your family events and to have known Nana. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Fondly,
Katherine Wall and family
Jenny,
ReplyDeleteJust read your blog for the 10th time! :) It is just as good as the first time. Thanks again for using your talents to present this wonderful tribute for Nana. It was great for friends and family out of town too. I love the comments above!
Hope you are having a good week. We will meet Daddy Vince at the lake tomorrow for a little yard work and dinner. :)
Love you!
Sandy
ps - finally figured out how to post! :)