The Last Grandma

I flew out to Utah/Wyoming to celebrate the long and happy life of my Grandmother Hepworth, but little did I know that another important celebration was also taking place here this weekend...the 80th birthday of my Nana Crain (the last of the kids' great-grandparents).

While calling the death of my beloved grandmother convenient sounds a little sacrilege, I am feeling quite blessed at the serendipitous timing. I came out West to honor the life one grandmother and while I'm here I get to honor the other in person.

My Nana Crain is the very epitome of a true southern lady with her sweet "Okie" accent and generous hospitality. Like my Grandma Hepworth, she never forgets a birthday, even with dozens of grandchildren and I am still surprised at how quick she is to answer each and every letter my kids send her in our weekly letter writing. And wow what a writer she is! My kids are enthralled hearing about her days with her cute little pug named Lucy and even I love reading her detailed, well-written descriptions about her life. I couldn't brag about my awesome grandmother without talking about her amazing cooking. She is legendary in the Crain family for her delicious and HUGE meals. I only wish I could cook and entertain half as well as she does.
For as sweet and kind as Nana is, the thing for which I am most grateful for is her faith and courage. Living in the Bible Belt of Oklahoma, her decision to embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ was not a popular one in her community, but embrace it she did. When I think of that fateful stormy day more than forty years ago when she let the missionaries in to teach her family the Gospel, I am forever grateful for the legacy of faith that began that day.

Happy birthday Nana! I love you!

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