A little over a week ago, my dear Nana passed away. She was almost 95 years old and although we knew it was coming, it still didn’t make it any easier to hear the news that day. I wrote about her and my grandfather in a blog post when we celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary this past spring, so I thought it fitting to make a small dedication to her here.
Since Nana’s passing, I have been flooded with memories of times spent together, recalling her mannerisms, her fashion sense, and her unconditional love for me, that only a grandmother can give.
We shared a love of dance. Her, starting as a child performer and later in life twirling with Grandpa, while I ended up studying dance in college, evolving into dancing with a company. This was a gift I always said came from her. It was no coincidence that four days after she died I found a book at a thrift store titled “NANA”, with the image of a dancer embossed on the front cover.
Nana had a passion for sparkles. The more bling, the better. Anything and everything. Always. A Facebook friend wrote after hearing the news of her passing, “Heaven just got a little more stylish.” So very true.
This weekend we will celebrate her life, and I was asked to make cookies for the memorial service. I struggled with what to create, but nothing seemed good enough. In the end I went with techniques and designs already out there in the cookie world, since my heart has been heavy and my mind not motivated. Thank you, SweetAmbs, for producing excellent tutorials in a decorating style that my Grandmother would have been delighted by.
I will miss you, Nana, and will forever love you. As hard as the sidewalk.
Melissa Joy Cookies 
I’m so sorry for your loss. Grandparents play such a precious role in our lives… I’m sure she would have loved those cookies that you made for her service. Beautiful and heartfelt.
Beautiful post, Melissa. I am sorry for your family’s loss of your lovely Nana.
So sad to hear about your loss! Those cookies are beautiful, and while they connect to Sweetambs work, I also see your style in them, and can imagine your Nana loving them and their sparkle!
Lovely post, Melissa!! My condolences to you and your family. Grandparents are so special. My grandma taught me to decorate cookies. They always leave us with something unique that is truly a blessing. Your cookies are beautiful. {{{{HUGS}}}} –Katy
So sorry to hear about your loss, she sounded like she was wonderful person altogether. You give me chill bumps reading these, because my babies call me Nana. I try hard to make lots of memories with them. I love the way you said she loved her bling, your story was a wonderful heart filled of her. She’s looking down on you and I know she’s very proud of you and she will be watching over you.
Oh man, I’m so sorry to hear about your Nana, Melissa, but am glad that she lived a very long life and had a granddaughter who loved her and has wonderful memories of her. She must’ve been a cool lady if one of your friends said that heaven will be a little more stylish!… These cookies are gorgeous and if she loves a little glitz, she definitely would’ve loved these! Hugs friend 🙂
Your post is a wonderful tribute to your nana. It really resonated with me as i was a tap dancer and my nana would take me to see the Rockettes every November. The cookies are elegant and lovely and I’m sure she is tickled looking down, observing your efforts and the sparkle you added. May you celebrate her life-her zest, style, sparkle-even as you grieve her loss. My sympathy to you and your family.
Well I need a Kleenex now. How blessed you are to have such beautiful memories. I’m sorry for your loss of a dear grandmother. We will all miss her sparkle, but know it lives on. BLessings
Oh Melissa, I am so sorry to hear about your Nana. What a fitting and beautiful tribute this post is to her, along with the gorgeous cookies. ❤
I’m so sorry about your grandma. What a beautiful way to remember her!
Thanks so much, Amber, for your condolences and for your fantastic tutorials!
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I am new to your blog and just read this post. I would have to agree that it was not coincidence that led you to the book but rather synchronicity, which implies a higher power and order to life.