15 years ago today, my Nanny passed away. She fought a long, hard battle with cancer and in the end, the cancer won. It was a terrible day in my life for so many reasons and, although I’m sad that she’s missed so many important events like my wedding and the birth of my daughter (her only granddaughter. My daughter is named after her in Hebrew), I’m glad that she’s not suffering anymore.
I was never as close with my Nanny as I am with my other grandmother, but as I get older, I realize I’m more like her than I knew when she was alive. She was a wonderful, warm woman who loved her children and lived for her grandchildren. Plus, she was a mean cook, collected animal figurines out of those Red Rose tea bag boxes (awesome!) and she was creative (seriously. She was an opera singer in her native Canada). She’s a woman I’m proud to call my Nanny and I’m proud that I’m like her. I can’t imagine being like anyone else.
Here are just a few ways her legacy has been passed on to me:
I’m stubborn. My family used to joke that my Nanny could out stubborn a mule. It’s true, too. And I’m just like her. Don’t tell me I can’t do something. The more you tell me I can’t, the more I’m going to try to do it just to prove you wrong. This worked out really well when I was paying off debt. People might have doubted that I could do it but that simply stoked my internal fire to get it done faster.
I’m independent. I hate asking for help. I would prefer to struggle, scream, cry and tear my hair out trying to figure out how to do something before I will ask for help (see above re: being stubborn). Through this I have learned that I am very adept a climbing on counters to reach things in high places and the handle of a spoon is a very effective tool for opening jars.
I appreciate what I have. My grandparents never lived in a house. They lived in a 2 bedroom apartment in Queens until my grandmother passed away. At one point in my dad’s childhood, they were living 6 people in that apartment (and a few cats). I never once heard my grandmother complain or lament that she never lived in a house. While I do hope to have a new house and a freelance writing career, I am grateful for the house and job I do have now. Because I know there are people who have a lot less.
I have an overwhelming need to feed people. My Nanny, like every good Jewish grandmother, was obsessed with making sure we were fed. It didn’t matter what time of day it was, she was always asking us if we wanted something to eat. I do the same. I will bake cookies for fun, and cooking Thanksgiving dinner is actually fun for me. Whenever someone comes to my house, I have to ask if he or she is hungry or thirsty. I’m am Jewish mother. I can’t help it.
Although I miss her, I know that my Nanny is a part of me and now, my daughter. I’m fortunate to carry on the legacy of such a strong woman.
In honor of my Nanny, this month’s Bloggers Give Back donation will be made to my local chapter of the American Cancer Society.
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Thanks for sharing the great things you learned. It’s amazing how you don’t see the traits you get from someone until so long after they’re developed. Great post for a Friday!
Money Beagle recently posted…Weekend Roundup: January 27, 2012
Thanks, MB! It really is amazing how much I’m like her. It’s actually pretty cool.
What a lovely tribute to your nanny, it sounds like she was a wonderful person. I treasure the moments I spent with my nanny too, and as I get older, I have a deeper appreciation for the woman she was. I’m sure your nanny would be very proud of you, and you will honor her legacy when you share your memories of her with your daughter as well.
Monica recently posted…Car Dealer Scams – Don’t Become a Victim When Financing a Car
Thanks, Monica! It’s amazing how, as we get older, we appreciate what we took for granted.
What a beautiful way to honor your grandmother’s legacy. I too realized that I am more like my grandmother than any other person in my family, and I’m proud to be a stubborn and opinionated woman with a tough outer shell who is still open to other’s ideas. It’s an odd mix, and I’m proud to say it’s all from my grandmother!
Christa recently posted…Friday Round-Up: The Best in Personal Finance Blogs
There’s nothing wrong with an odd mix. If we were all made up of stuff that made sense, we’d be pretty boring! I’m glad that your grandmother was able to pass down her random mix to you!
Thanks for sharing this post – it must feel nice to carry on her legacy like that
Jeff @ Sustainable Life Blog recently posted…The Boogeyman Is Gone
It does, Jeff. It’s pretty much all I have left of her. And if this is what it has to be, then I’ll take it.
This is really sweet. I didn’t know you had Canadian in you.
marissa recently posted…Think You Can’t Afford To Budget?
I do. Both my Nanny and Grandpa (her husband) are from Montreal. My dad was the first one on his side of the family born in the US. I think this may explain my love for all things Canada.
Lovely post, Jana.
My Italian grandmother was also a prodigious feeder of people, and I think she’s passed that on to me. Whenever we have company, I make way too many dishes (not that the food gets wasted, it’s just leftovers) perhaps out of a fear of guests going hungry.
101 Centavos recently posted…Kiss Real Estate Goodbye – A Real Estate Appraiser’s Viewpoint
I do the same thing. I’m always afraid there’s not going to be enough. Then I’m excited for the leftovers!
Wonderful post. It gives a glimpse into your life and people in your life. I loved the picture! Thank you for sharing it.
Aloysa @ My Broken Coin recently posted…How “Do Not Need” Lists Can Save You A Buck
Thanks, Aloysa!