Someone Very Special

Dear Liam,

 Mommy has learned, and one day you will, too, that many people will come and go in your life.  But for short or how long these people stay doesn't always matter.  Often, it's the kind of experience and purpose they serve in our life that matters most.

I'm writing this to you today because I want to make sure you remember a very special lady in your life.  Her name is Ann E. Riker, your great-grandmother, otherwise known as "Nanny." She took care of your dad starting from when he was a baby, and several other grandchildren after that, and several other children whom she has taken care of like her own grandchildren.  I have heard her say that the good Lord has blessed her with the love for children all her life. 

I don't know right now for how long she'll be in your life here on earth, but it's important for you to know that Nanny and you have a BIG purpose in this world...and that purpose is taking care of each other.  What does that mean? Well, I'll explain.

You see, Nanny's husband, Poppa, passed away last year.  They had been married for almost 40 years.  I always saw them holding hands, and they loved each other very much.  It was a kind of love  that was so inspiring.   Nanny was deeply saddened by Poppa's passing, and we knew she would never be the same.  She often said she thought she and Poppa would both leave this earth at the same time, maybe in a car accident.  She questioned God as to why she was left here on Earth without him.  For many months, it was painful for us to hear this was how she felt.

Then, when she found out we were having you, things changed.  She asked us if we'd like her to come stay with us and take care of you when you were born.  We liked this idea very much.

Most of all, now when she talks about the answers of why God left her on this earth. She now knows the reason...and that my dear son, was to take care of YOU! She didn't know it that very long year without Poppa.  I believe her new purpose in life was renewed and validated each time she went and saw you at the hospital and to this day when she has always eagerly taken you from my tired arms and effortlessly rocks you to sleep.

I do have to say I rarely take you from her.  Mainly because I love seeing her at her best...taking care of you, her "little angel." And how fitting that is, because we had no idea how our gift from the heavens could have rescued her out of her sadness.  She still misses Poppa very much, but I think it hurts just a little less.  We know Poppa was with you two those days in the NICU.  These days I'm sure that he enjoys watching you two together.


Mommy and Daddy can never repay Nanny.  We know that it is a priceless gift that she is able to watch you rather than taking you to daycare where you could get sick all the time.  She comes and stays at our house during the week to watch you.  Thank God!  Daycare is a fortune, and Nanny cares without asking for a single penny.  We have the peace of mind knowing you are with someone who loves you, teaches you, and spoils you. She spoils Mommy and Daddy, too, by allowing us naps and home-cooked meals!

I really hope that you will remember her.  I think you will.  I think you will always remember that gentle voice you hear call you "angel," the beautiful blue eyes that gaze into yours with so much love, and the feel of her touch that comforts you.  There is no question we will always remind you of her.

You are one special little boy with very special who love you.  I thank God for the angels who watched over you at the hospital when we couldn't be with you.  And we are so grateful for your Earth Angel, Nanny, who loves you with every ounce of her being.

Love to you my blessed son.

Love,
Mommy