Nan

This picture is from my wedding and with her grandsons, my cousin Brendan 3rd from left lives in nans house today

My paternal grandmother was just an incredible lady, we called her "Nan" short for "Nanny". She was loved by all, everyone's favorite. A very strong woman in character, she raised 3 boys and buried 2 husbands both of whom were Chicago Fireman. I never met my grandfather, but "Pop" was always grandpa to all of us. Every time we visited he gave us a quarter. My father is the middle child, the only one still with us.  My father and his younger brother were both Chicago fireman and that tradition is carried on by my older brother Patrick who proudly wears the CFD uniform today. Nan loved to gamble with frequent trips to Vegas. In her 80's she still drove to the "boats" to try her luck. She has been gone 10 years now, I was 8 or 9 months pregnant with Callahan when she passed. As long as I can remember Christmas was always celebrated at Nan's house with all the cousins and extended family present. One cannot think of Nan without that warm feeling of comfort. I am lucky enough to have some of her cherished items passed on to me, my favorite is a crystal punch bowl set still packed up as the day my mother gave it to me (3 boys and heirloom punch bowl do not mix) TJ still uses Pops bedroom set

This little lady will be 30 years old this year, given to me by Nan on my 16th birthday

My Santa bank given to me long ago, I had to be 8? I remember my older sister got a porcelain stocking bank at the same time.

Thinking of you this Christmas Nan, as there are more of you up there than down here

Thanks for the warm memories