Wonderful Nance

For Christmas, Jake asked me and a few other ladies in Nance's life to write letters to her on different topics for her to open when she's feeling down, needs inspiration, etc. I chose the one to remind her how wonderful she is. I know this isn't directly to you, but I thought you would appreciate it being included in this blog.

I first heard about how wonderful you were from Hayden. He raved about your cooking, he loved your lake house and had so much fun with you, from playing euchre to you singing along to Guitar Hero with him ("Rambling Man") to the song you sang together, "Counting Stars." I thought it was cute that he called you "Nanc" like Jake did-I remember hoping that you were ok with that. You opened your heart and your home to him and I will forever think of you as his "second mom." You were so wonderful to him and I thank you for that.

I was able to experience your "wonderfulness" firsthand at and around the time of Hayden's accident. I remember you coming to the hospital right away after hearing what happened and you coming in the waiting room. You were such a great help and comfort and made sure that Jake took care of Hope and Carter and you arranged for food to be brought in at different times, etc. You even were one of the two people who walked me back down the hospital hallway after I left Hayden's room for the last time. I wrote about that in the thank you note I sent you, and I will be ever grateful for that.

I remember you coming over for a visit shortly after, and we realized that it helped both of us to talk about what happened and share our grief. You decided to come over on a weekly basis and you were faithful to that commitment for over a year. If you couldn't make it for some reason or if you were going to be late, you would always let me know. I knew that if you were late or didn't come and I hadn't heard from you (that only happened a few times) that there had been some misunderstanding or I had the wrong night. Thank you for being someone I could count on at that time. You were one of my "lifelines." Even on some days at that time when I didn't think I wanted to talk to anyone, I always felt better after we met. You listened to and helped me with all of my problems beyond the loss of Hayden, like with Bill and extended family members, etc. You still do. Even though I miss that time together, I know we both came to the conclusion at the same time that we were ready to move on from that.

You have become a dear and wonderful friend. I am continually amazed at how often we are on the same page about things. There have been so many times when I will bring something up and you will tell me that you were just going to text me the same thing. After I first heard that you were Jake's mom and one of the captain's moms on the water polo team, it took me until the banquet to finally introduce myself to you. I never would have thought then that you would become one of my dearest friends.

The wonder of you continues in our Bible Study group, the "Wonderstruck Ladies." I know that you were unsure about being a part of the group when Sheryl first came up with the idea, but you said "yes" and I am so thankful for that. It's a blessing to be able to grow in our faith and friendship together with those two other wonderful ladies, Sheryl and Kimberley. I look forward to what the future holds for our little group.

You are a wonderful person, Nancy, and I am blessed to know you. Love you!

Love,
Andi