Yes, that would be my precious granddaughter aka my grandbaby, Jalayla (Little Miss Briscoe). She is my joy, my laughter, my wind and inspiration. I cannot imagine life without her for she brings such love, warmth and endless energy when she enters a room. Oh no, oh yes, here comes Nana’s baby girl. I just love to hear her say my name. I have voice messages from when she was a toddler until now at age six. During those days when I need a burst of energy or looking for that silver lining in the clouds I just have to see , think about or hear that cute squeaky voice…”Nana!!!!”, yes my chocolate pooh bear, it’s your Nana! I love to hear my pooh bear call me Nana. I am so blessed to be a Nana, and I don’t take it lightly. Some may prefer to not be called Nana because that reminds them of the reality that they are a grandmother... Well the reality is that I am a grandmother and I'm loving it. I am so grateful to be honored with the name Nana thanks to my Jalayla. She loves her Spanish so it was only fitting that she would call me Nana. That’s right-- I am Jalayla’s Nana JJ.
The memories that we have shared and prayerfully will share in the future are golden nuggets that enrich my life beyond measure. I am so thankful for my righteous seeds, Jason and Krishann and love them with an everlasting love. Yet, there is something that I share with my chocolate pooh bear that is priceless. She can melt my heart and encourage my heart like none other. Recently, we spent an afternoon together at my home. It was such a blessing we sat side by side on the couch and shared bowls of pasta together. Afterwards, we decided we wanted dessert and didn’t have any so we settled for cereal. It didn’t matter because we were together loving, dancing, playing and enjoying each other. We laughed, snuggled a little and then she asked me such a profound question. I had recently attended a Homegoing Celebration, funeral of a friend’s husband from church. Jalayla looked at the program and asked me what was it for and I explained that it was from a celebration of the life of someone’s husband who had died. She asked where is he, and I said that he was in heaven because he had invited Jesus into his heart. Since he was a believer he would spend eternal life with Jesus; however, if he had died before he had invited Jesus into his heart he would spend eternity in hell. She looked at me with those bright eyes, and said “Nana, when I die I’m going to heaven, right?” I said, “Yes, of course you are. Remember the day you accepted Jesus into your heart and asked Him to forgive you of your sins and to live in you forever.” Then she said, “I remember Nana, that’s right.” Then she sat quietly as if to ponder our words. She turned towards me and said, “Can I invite Jesus into my heart again?” I said, sure sweetheart we can repeat the plan of salvation together and afterwards she said Yeah!!! Wow, the heart of the child and a child shall lead them. She knows and loves the Lord and wanted that reassurance that heaven would one day be her home.
Forever loving my chocolate pooh bear,
Nana J (The Butterfly)
