Amazing Grace

My Nana, Grace Margaret Walsh Barrett passed on January 17th at the age of 91. She perfectly exemplified her name - Grace. She always had a sweet sophistication, an easy laugh, a quick sense of humor and an undeniable Grace about her. She had the prettiest blue eyes I’ve ever seen, I had friends stop her just to tell her how gorgeous her eyes were. I’d laugh at the awkwardness of it all, but I knew they meant it. Her eyes were oceans to her sweet soul.

My nana was a mother to six children. My father was her oldest and when he passed from leukemia two weeks after being diagnosed, she was at the helm of our family leading us with faith, strength and dignity These are the traits she carried throughout her life and were exemplified again when she quietly cared for her husband, my poppy, during his courageous battle with ALS. They had a love story throughout the decades and I know she is reunited with my father and grandfather in Heaven.

I remember one day, after my grandfather died, stopping by to see my Nana. She had six children and tons of grandchildren, family and friends so a moment alone with her was precious and sometimes rare. We talked for hours and she showed me photo albums of my father. We talked about him and I saw her sweet eyes look so sad after we had discussed his sudden passing. She didn’t know why God took him but said one day she will understand. I do believe she understands now.

By no means was my Nana a shrinking violet or a sad woman, she had a silent joy, a sweet smile, a casual ease and a quick wit that complimented her unwavering Grace.

Amazing Grace, indeed.