My sister Nancy had her first child when she was only nineteen. Maybe she knew that her time on this planet was limited and so she did what she could while she was here. Or perhaps she wanted to leave a legacy because she saw so many of her peers leave too soon. Whatever the reason, Nancy had two boys that she saw to young adulthood before she died.
After we lost Nancy, my sister Janice and I tried to fill up the space that she left for the boys. Janice lived nearby and did quite a bit for them. I lived 3,000 miles away and did what I could. Eventually my nephew Jimmy moved out to the west coast. After that I was able to see him more often and when his daughters were born I was only a few hours drive away.
Yesterday, Jimmy and his girlfriend Pearl came to visit me and they brought along his daughter Lorelie. This child has the beauty of her mother and the impish energy her father had at her age. But what’s most amazing to me is how much she looks like her grandmother, Nancy.
This morning Lorelie and I made a Chocolate Pecan Pie to take back home with them. She helped stir and taste the batter and she licked the bowl when we were done. She absolutely wore me out in just a few hours…but I wouldn’t miss a visit from her for the world. And one of my life’s goals is to be the best Great Aunt I can be… for my nephews, for their children, and especially for Nancy.
To live in hearts we leave behind
Is not to die.
Thomas Campbell
Pie a Day Give Away 
What a sweetie! Sounds like a fun experience for both of you! Stay warm and dry today!
Thanks Connie – she really is and it was . As for staying warm and dry, that sounds like good advice!
What a lovely posting…and a love-ly day. She’ll remember this her whole life…how she was loved.
God Bless you Karen
we had such a great time even though it was only for a short visit…. im so glad i was able to bring jim and lorelie down to visit. hopefully soon we will come down and stay a couple days and see a little bit more of ashland and its suroundings. A BIG THANK YOU again for everything =)
Pearl,
Thank you so much for bringing Jimmy and Lorelie to Ashland. I really appreciate the effort it took to drive here while keeping Miss Lorelie busy during the drive.
You truly are a gem!
Karen
The Pie # 286 story hit home with me on several levels. Your expression of honoring a family member who has passed over was touching and affirming. Once again, your Pie stories make the human connection so profound. And the concluding quote is what I would think is a most noble goal for all who walk our earth.
I would have sworn that this was a picture of a young Nancy! What a sweet little face and what a wonderful tribute to her Grandma.Nancy would have loved seeing this little one.
I’ll be sad when your year is done Karen, but loving following the journey!
Isn’t it amazing? She really has the essence of Nancy! And that makes me so happy… that she is here through Lorelie. Thanks for following along!
K