I'm not sad to say goodbye to 2014. It's been a rough year.
But along with the lowest of lows the death of my mother in July I've also experienced many periods of pure joy, the majority of them involving my three beautiful grandchildren: Tilleigh, 8; Evie, 4, and William, 2.
It's amazing to me how the two little girls are so tuned into my feelings. I still grieve for Mother, and when my tears start to flow, their little arms are instantly around me. And though William doesn't grasp the loss, he knows he doesn't see "Nannie" anymore. So instead of hugging me, he always recites over and over, "Nannie died." He says it with an edge of sadness, and I find it comforting.
Just before Christmas, I took the girls to see the latest version of "Annie." We loved it. Throughout the movie, I was reminded of how incredibly fortunate I am to have these children in my life. In the movie, Annie brings great joy into the lives of Oliver Warbucks and his staff, just like my grandchildren bring into my life. Their love is a constant reminder that, despite my losses, life is good.
I'm also proud of my grandchildren. They are loving, sweet, kind and precious children.
Last week, I took them out for lunch when a little girl, around 10 years old, came up to our table and told Tilleigh she looked like the character Anna from the movie "Frozen" (Anna and Tilleigh have red hair). Tilleigh was so sweet and gracious to the little girl and a little embarrassed. Tilleigh smiled and said, "Thank you for telling me."
I was taken back by her sweet and genuine response.
Evie was beaming with pride that someone acknowledged the likeness her sister has with the super-popular Disney character.
William, who turned 2 in September, is talking like a champion these days. To have this little boy look up at me and say, "Mom's boy," (my grandchildren call me "Mom") melts my heart.
Karen Nazor HillThe holidays also reunite me with family members I don't see on a regular basis. Since my mother's death, I am staying in close touch with Mother's surviving sibling, my aunt, Martitia "Tisha" Land, who is only six years older than I am. My aunt's personality is very much like my mother's. My mother was never at a loss for words and always said exactly what was on her mind, like it or not. My aunt shares that trait.
When I saw her a few days before Christmas, after sharing a hug, she commented on my glasses. "Those are the ugliest glasses I have ever seen," she told me.
Instead of hurting my feelings (you have to have thick skin in my family), I started laughing. It was refreshing because I knew it would have been exactly what Mother would have said. To be honest, the oversized, yet trendy, navy frames are, admittedly, ugly. Leave it to my aunt to set the record straight.
So, as 2015 rolls in, I am making a commitment to spend more time with my extended family. I want my grandchildren to know their great aunts, uncles, and cousins. I can't think of a better way to expose Tilleigh, Evie and William to the best thing life has to offer love. It's what we all need.
Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6396.