Rest in Peace Nanny Rose

Monday evening, Mrs. Grovena "Nanny" Johnson aka Ms. Rose lost her battle with cancer.  She was 67 years old.

I came to know Ms. Rose about 6 years ago.  She was the grandmother to a friend of my sister's.  When she 1st laid eyes on the twins (my nieces), they were "her" grandbabies.  I was happy about that since they will never know my mother.

Ms. Rose was that elder black woman who never met a stranger & whose door was always open.

When things went awry in my family last summer, she was right there for me.  Never blinking an eye!  For that, she will always be in my heart.

She told me then that even tho we weren't blood, I was no different than any of her grandchildren.  She even whispered that she liked me better than most of them anyway.

I noticed a few weeks back she seemed to be getting worse, but she would never say so.  She didn't want anybody fussing or worrying over her.

The last time I called to check on her, I asked if she needed anything.  Most times she said no, but this time she wanted 3 tacos from Jack in the Box, some bottled water and some band-aids.  When I got to her house my heart dropped.  Here was this vivacious, blonde haired senior citizen, now barely able to breath or speak.  I almost started to cry.  She hushed me.  She then managed to whisper, "I'm not afraid & I love you."

I told her I loved her right back & I was only a phone call away.  She said, "I know. I've always known."  That was our last conversation.

She was cremated today, per her wishes and a memorial service will be held next Saturday at her church home.  I know her suffering is over and she is at peace.

Rest in Peace Nanny Rose.  You will be missed.  Every time I watch Lackawanna Blues, I'll think of you.

Love,

Your Big Baby