For those that don't know me, I'm Anne's grandson Jesse. Even though I grew up in Florida and lived thousands of miles away Nanny was a constant presence in my life. We didn't get to see each other every day, or even every year, but when we got together it was as if no time had passed at all. Time with Nanny was always something that I looked forward to. Nanny and I shared laughs, shared stories, and shared more than a few beers. I'd like to share a couple of the life lessons that I've taken away from our time together.

As a young boy I quickly learned that every time Nanny came for a visit I needed to prepare myself for some pretty brutal criticism, some of the things that she said cut pretty deeply and hurt my feelings; but as I matured I realized that she wasn't being mean, in fact, she was the only one nice enough to be honest with me… and the commentary was never unsolicited. Her honesty helped me to be more honest with myself. I know when I'm doing the best I can and when I'm simply not trying hard enough. I can admit when I miss the mark despite my best efforts. I can take criticism and grow from it, not recoil from it. I, in turn, try to share my honest opinion with others when they ask for it, and strive to ensure that I'm providing the context needed to help them in the same way that Nanny helped me. Be honest, be nice.

Times with Nanny were always filled with laughter. From funny stories to little personal jabs I can't remember many times that we weren't smiling. While I definitely took my share of lumps in our exchanges I managed to get in a couple jabs of my own here and there, Nanny always took them in stride. It was that back and forth that made her feel more like a friend than anything else. During one visit to her house she set up a bed for me in the basement, she asked if I liked a firm or soft bed, being a bigger guy a firm bed definitely feels better.That evening I decided that I'd walk to the bar for a few beers, but maybe stayed a little too long. After I quietly made my way back to the house and crept down to the basement I let myself fall backwards into my bed only to land on top of a sheet of plywood. Needless to say, I was shocked. At breakfast the next morning I said something about it and Nanny just started cracking up. I'm still not sure if she was really trying to give me a firm bed or just punishing me for staying out too late. Either way, we shared a great laugh. Don't take yourself too seriously.

From as early as I can remember Nanny liked to have a beer while on holiday. As a young boy I loved that my grandmother was so cool, as a young man I came to cherish sharing a beer with Nanny. No television, no cell phones, no distractions; just a couple of cold beers and some great conversation. Life can be hectic, even overwhelming at times, but ten minutes and a couple beers with someone you care about and all of those troubles fade away. I've carried this tradition forward, when working too many hours or not seeing each other enough my wife and I will take a time out and sit on the couch with a couple of drinks. Even a few minutes to talk and catch up makes all the difference in the world. Never pass up a chance to raise a glass with someone you care about.

Nanny's passing came much too quickly for me. The idea that I won't get to see her again, that I won't get to create any new memories, and that she won't be a constant presence for my children fills me with an infinite sadness. I still can't fathom that my ageless grandmother is no longer with us, but I know that she wouldn't want me to dwell on the things that I cannot change. So I'll do the only thing that I can and carry forward her memory and those lessons that she taught me. I'll try my best to be honest with those around me, and be sure that I'm never mean spirited. I won't take myself too seriously. I'll never pass up the chance to raise a glass with someone I care about.

Here's to you Nanny xoxoxo