Lula Mae Breaux Champagne was my Mom's sister, second in birth order after my Mom. She was married to my Uncle Russell, who died many years ago, and she gave birth to two daughters. One of them is Diane, the one I speak of so often here in my journal; the other, Carol Ann, died as an infant and was a "blue baby", as it was called in those days. NanNan spoke of her little one often, but she knew that she would see her again, so the pain of that loss was always tempered by that.
I am forever grateful that my parents chose her to be my God-mother, NanNan, as I called her. She was always there for me, and we developed a bond that I will treasure forever. I have lots to do to earn the reward that she has gained today--and I pray that she helps me to achieve that. Between her and my Dad, I think I've got two great angels for the rest of my life.
As I was growing up, I remember that NanNan tended to be a hypochondriac, always having something wrong with her. It was almost a joke amongst us--don't ask NanNan how she's feeling, 'cuz she'll tell you. When Uncle Russell died suddenly, I, as an adult at the time, was concerned about NanNan, because Uncle Russell really took such good care of her; I needn't have worried!
After his death, NanNan suddenly became a different person: she was strong, lively, HEALTHY, almost vivacious. She became a babysitter for her GREAT-grandchildren, and loved every minute of it. She was blessed by Di and Rich with 8 grandchildren and I'm not sure how many great-grandchildren, but I can tell you this: those grandchildren--and great-grandchildren--loved their Granny, and they were always there for their Mom AND their Granny, especially during these last few months. The love they showed for their Granny certainly could not be measured; and the love she had for them was unconditional. What a beautiful legacy can be found in those children--and in her only living daughter and son-in-law.
NanNan was especially close to my Mom and Dad. She and Dad were truly more like brother and sister than in-laws, and I think that perhaps Dad went ahead to prepare a special place for her. Even when Dad was having his so-called "bad days" at the Manor, he would always stop by to see "Mae", just to check-up on her, I guess, and to make sure that she was being taken care of. And NanNan, before her own illness, would always call to check on Dad and went to see him whenever she could.
I know that Di, Rich, and their kids/grand kids will feel this terrible loss for some time to come; but I also know that did everything possible for NanNan while she lived--and that is what is most important. The pain will never go away completely, but it will ease off. And, NanNan is more able to help us all from her special place in heaven.
Rest in peace, NanNan! Enjoy your 'new body' and the presence of the Father. We'll see you later, so save a place for us. We love you--and I, for one, cherish the memories I have of my special lady, my very own NanNan. May God bless you and keep you near His Heart!
