A Long and Healthy Life
It's hard for me to write or think about much else right now, as we are mourning the loss of our Nana Helen, my husband's grandmother. I've decided that Helen Sykes' ( aka Nana Helen) life should be celebrated today by Fit in the City. She lived a long healthy life, and is an example to many, on how to live happier. Here are a few ways that Nana Helen will be remembered by me......
The first year I met her, approximately eight years ago, we we're at her house and I noticed one of those fitness gadgets from the past. The one where you put a wide band around your midsection and jiggle your way to a fitter life. Anyone remember that one? I thought it would be a great display item in the health club window; fitness from the past! My husband asked if we could use it and she said not yet, she was still using it regularly. (Along with her exercise bike!) I loved her immediately, she believed strongly in exercise. Your never too old to exercise your body - Nana Helen was almost eighty then!
Next thing I admired about her was her room in the basement devoted to coupons. This room was know fondly by the family members as the "Coupon Room". Yes, a woman who knows how to save a buck, loved it. She was not a wasteful person but a resourceful one. I honor that way of living.
Gracious, thankful and respectful, that was Nana Helen. She knew the proper way. Whenever we gave her anything, not two days would pass and that lovely hand written thank you was in the mail. I loved receiving those notes. There was usually diaper coupons in their too, which was a bonus. Her written words were just like her spoken ones, heartfelt and warm. She always made me feel special, what an amazing gift this is to people.
What became increasingly evident as I got to know Nana Helen was her love of the leopard and tiger prints. I couldn't go by a piece of "wild" clothing while shopping and not growl while saying Nana! She had a zest for life and it was obvious by how she dressed, always impeccable and always her own style. I wish more people wore their personalities on their "selves" like her. Once I found a great deal on a couple of animal print sweaters (sooo Nana Helen) for her a dollar and ninety seven cents each, marked down from thirty-six dollars. I told my Mother-in -Law about my great savings, she loves a bargain too. She said you HAVE to tell Nana Helen how much they cost, she'll love that as much as the sweaters themselves. Along with great style, she shopped like it was a sport - what a combination.
She was a beautiful mother and wife. I have only known her as an adult mother, but know by the quality of her children that she did it all right. She lead by example and lived a very fulfilling and wonderful life. Children learn what they live.
She was independent and strong. She still drove and lived on her own, fabulously. Her strength, even while health was beginning to deteriorate, was always apparent. You can be strong at any age. Her spirit and positive attitude was inspirational to anyone who knew her. This is what kept her young through her older age. She was a perfect example of a person refusing to let an old person into their body. Attitude is everything, she proved that.
Although I am sad to say good-bye to her, her spirit will always be with us, reminding us of how to live our lives longer and better. We are fortunate enough to have her daughter, my Mother-in-Law in our lives, carrying on her legacy of strength and zest for life. She is one of Helen's best gifts. Just ask any area student who ever had Mrs. Grumman and they'll tell you.
Nana Helen will be deeply missed. Her memory will continue to live on and help many of us to be better, healthier and happier people.
