On December 14 we lost my sweet Nana. She was 97 years old.
She had been sick for a few days with Covid, but was getting better and was actually back home at Bellingham. It was very sudden and a surprise to all of us.
I’m so grateful that we had just spent some good time with her to celebrate her birthday in October and at Thanksgiving in Virginia. She was a regular on the weekly Rainer family zoom calls on Sunday nights and I felt like I was closer with her these last few years because of that.
She was the matriarch of this family and will be deeply missed.
My Nana turned 95 of October 28th. She had wanted to have a big party, but since that’s not possible this year, instead we all went to the beach! Nana rented the family four houses close to each other in Ocean City and we all spent time together outside – on the beach or on porches. Since the girls are now in in person school, we went town for a few days, came back for school, and then went back down.
Unfortunately we only had one nice day of weather – pictured below – where the girls were able to get in bathing suits and play in the sand.
The rest of the time was cold and rainy, but we still enjoyed it as much as possible!
one day we were the only people on the entire boardwalk!
hot chocolate on the boards
We had two mini “parties” for Nana, since not everyone could be there the entire time. One night we had one at our beach house with cupcakes and balloon hats.
Maithili, Dan, Vicki, Doug, Mom
The birthday girl!
in a balloon hat, of course!
Our girls and Ari had to do virtual school while they were there, which was somewhat challenging. Who wants to work while you’re at the beach?! But Ari did participate in Lauren’s class Halloween party, which was pretty fun.
Freeze dance Halloween party
While the weather wasn’t great, we all tried to spend time on the beach, especially Nana who love to just look out at the water.
Nana in her happy place!
On the last night we celebrated Dad and Julia’s birthday, which are both the first week in November.
Happy Birthday, Julia and Dad!
It was really a fantastic week, filled with family and celebration and reflection. While we couldn’t have a big bash this year, in my opinion this was so much better. We all got to see each other, which hasn’t happened in a while, and we all got to be in one of our favorite places. We were able to spend time together, and alone, and really appreciate where we are right now – which is not where anyone expected to be, but also finally together at last.
