I was asked to share my comments from yesterday:
While this woman was Pat to some and Mom to many, she was Nana to 23 of us grandchildren. She was no ordinary Mom and certainly no ordinary Nana. She was a strong woman and an extraordinary person.
As a representative of the grandsons, I realized that we also account for all six great grandchildren. My wife Anne and my baby Charlotte, who was born just two weeks ago, are back home in Virginia. I wish they could be here with us, and they send all their love. Even with such a short time as a new father, I've gained so much appreciation for the sacrifice and portion of yourself that a parent gives to a child, happily given with lots of love. I felt that from my mom, and know that she felt that from her mom.
Nana emphasized education for us all, both in school and in life. She also encouraged us to try new things, take leaps and embark on adventures. Several of us have moved across the country, and she wouldnt be afraid to give her opinion. Jeff and I both had opportunities in our college choices and later opportunities in California, where she rooted us on. She made her own bold move from Jersey to Bowling Green, and jumping into PT school later in life. Before moving to Oklahoma, Nana encouraged Patrick from her own time in Oklahoma but told him to prepare for the heat.
Nana was a strong woman, both in spirit and at times physically. Patrick remembers her giving piggyback rides to Avery and Hannah in Saugatuck at 80 year old. Later, after Rosemary was born, Daniel and Emma brought her to meet Nana and were trying to position and add pillows for support. Nana who had a broken arm, just said, I know how to hold a baby, just give me her. And she held her with love. Nana was rooting for my baby, the newest branch on the Davis family tree, to come on her birthday. Charlotte came a few days early, but I'm very grateful because we had time for Nana to see Charlotte via facetime.
Finally, at times like this, we can turn to each other for support and turn to God in prayer. So, for our extraordinary mother, grandmother and great grandmother, please pray with me as we ask Mary, another extraordinary mother, for her intercession:
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.