Lydia Ann "Nana" Annis
1927 - 2013
In early May, not long after my mom returned home from her Sloan-watching duties, my grandmother passed away. She had been in declining health for the past several months and was living with my parents in Springfield so her passing, though not a surprise, was sad.
I made it back to Kansas City for the services and in a most surprising turn (but not too surprising if you are familiar with Missouri weather), it snowed on the day of her visitation. It was May 2nd. I think it was part of Nana's way of telling is it was time to move on and she was ready to go. I'm pretty sure she always hated snow.
The service was very nice and many of the grandchildren and of course, her three daughters, said something about her life to the group that had gathered to celebrate it. Below is my eulogy from the day and I'm proud to share it on this blog.
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Last Tuesday, I was in London for business. I left the last event early, around 10 pm, and took the tube back to my hotel.
Coming off the train that night I saw hundreds of people at the bars in Canary Warf. They were laughing, talking, drinking. I'd had a really long day but something said I should stop into one of these places, by myself, to get a drink and just be with humanity for a minute or two before going back to my hotel room and packing for my flight home in the morning.
I got a beer. Nothing special. I sat outside where it was unseasonably warm and enjoyed the atmosphere on the banks of the Thymes. Nana was with me.
After a few minutes I went back to my hotel room and dialed my mom's cell. No answer. So, in typical sequence, I called my dad. He answered and I knew. Nana had passed away at 10:45 pm London time. Just about the time I finished my drink.
All of us grandkids have something special we remember about her. For me, it's her never ending trust and confidence in every challenge I took. Whether it was venturing over the crest of 71st Terrace toward Ward Parkway on a walk, starting a business, getting up on two skis at Table Rock Lake behind a 35-horsepower pontoon boat or trying to make her and Papa a Manhattan. That's 2 jiggers bourbon, 1 jigger vermouth and 3 jiggers water, top with ice. Bitters aren't necessary.
I'll miss her smile, her encouragement and her love for me and my family. Sloan, my daughter, was very lucky to have been held by her and Kerri and I are forever grateful that she was at our wedding.
Regardless of how all of our families changes and grow over the years, Nana will be with us.
But, as we all do, I know she's in a better place. One with no pain and no stress. She's likely enjoying a drink on the patio with Papa. Maybe having a burger and fries because in Heaven, it's always Friday.
She taught me the value of being frugal, being dedicated to a cause and loving your family. I want to thank my mom and dad for holding high those same values and for being with her in the final days and assuring her comfort through her transition to Heaven.
Nana was loved and she knew it. She loved each of us the same and wanted nothing but the best for each of us. Our families will get bigger and better over the years but we should always know and teach that we are stronger because of we were lucky enough to have Ann Annis in our lives.
I love you, Nana. Thank you for everything and we will see you on the other side.
