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BY KAYLEE WILSON
Our hearts hurt today, but we know that my Nana is the happiest she has ever been. Our minds are in a state of constant confusion and conflict, but we know that hers is thinking perfectly clear, which is all that she has wanted so long. Five years ago I made a post about a certain “super hero” that made some of the largest impacts on my life. Today, I’d like to talk a little about his partner in fighting all the crimes that life has thrown my way. My superwoman. And, let me tell you, she was a force to be reckoned with. The strongest woman that I have ever known. A beautiful lady, inside and out. A ray of sunshine to all that she encountered. And the one person that gives a whole new meaning to “social butterfly.”
My precious Nana went to heaven on Friday morning (June 11). God blessed me with the best Nana in the world. A Nana who knew how to ease my nervous mind, telling me not to worry and that everything is in the Lord’s hands. I’ve lived by this for so long, I just never realized how much peace it would bring this week. A Nana whose arms brought me this most comfort that I have ever felt. A Nana who shared four hour long telephone calls with me filled with laughter, therapy, advice, and maybe even a little gossip about my life. A Nana who would drop everything to tag along with me to run errands, go to concerts (she blessed me with great taste in music), or even just grab lunch with me. She brought me the most fun in my childhood and I know my brother and cousins would say the same. If we were allowed to do something at home you can bet we would do it at Nana’s house. She was, and will always be our No. 1 fan and cheerleader in all we do throughout life.
Nana made me who I am today. Because of her, I know that I am not fully ready to leave the house until I’ve got some lipstick on. Because of her, I know that on the days that don’t feel like I can be strong anymore, I need to pray a little more. Because of her, I know to stand firm in my beliefs and opinions. She taught me that I should not be afraid to live my life to the absolute fullest and don’t fear the “what ifs,” because I am not the one in control. I now know to do what makes me happy at all times, and not to worry about what anyone thinks of it. Because we are only here until it is our time. She taught me this time and time again, and now I understand. And, finally she taught me how to love hard, be kind, and be accepting of everyone. I think that everyone could learn a thing or two from the examples she set for me.
My Nana was so excited to go to Heaven and see my papaw again, and she talked about it all the time. The long awaited reunion has come and she has earned her wings. She is with him now, listening to the best music that she will ever hear. Knowing that brings me a peace that I will never be able to explain.
Please keep my family in your prayers as we face the days ahead, and now we have to face a world with a little less sunshine. I love you all the way to Heaven, Nana.
(Written by Kaylee Wilson, granddaughter of Carolyn Hodge Treadway, who died June 11. The piece was read at Carol’s funeral by her pastor, Dr. Alan King, with Kaylee at his side. In addition to Kaylee, her only granddaughter, Carol had three grandsons. Carol formerly worked at Carter County Bank and Happy Valley Credit Union.)