Thank so much for this . At a very young age my home life became extremely abusive and traumatic . My grandma Ninny stepped in and raised me as her own. Not just my Grandma, but so much more. The unconditional love, support and guidance she gave me will never leave me. I can honestly say, without my Ninny, I would not be alive today. That is an absolute truth. She is always with me . I can still smell her slight scent of Ponds Cold Cream or Nivea lotion she would apply to her skin before bedtime, the quite jingle of her charm bracelet , the clicking of her knitting needles. I still try and talk to her every day . Sometimes as my ten year old self or the 60 year old man I am now. I love and miss her so damn much. Over time I have learned that eventually, if you let it, grief and love can walk side by side. Thank you for sharing your story. It gave me a smile and a tear. Johnny Rockwell.
I’m glad you got some good out of my little tribute to my Grandma Ninny. Take good care of yourself. Hopefully you’ll make it out to the East Coast soon. If you do , I’ll be the first one in the door.
Thank you Melanie. For sharing this story. For sharing your open heart, your vulnerability, your creativity, your beautiful writing, your strength, and your love.
It was such a joy to read about your visit with Laila. You have many of her most admirable traits. She was such a wonderful role model for me. I would never have been able to put together my wedding in 1968 without her help and the rest of the Johnson family. I will tell you the details sometime. She was ready for her next challenge just as my aunt was when she passed at the age of 101. She will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. I will treasure this lovely memorial you have written about her last days.
I'm so sorry she's gone but what an amazing blessing to be with her in her last days. Her story has been inspirational for so many! I feel in love with your music through her story, if you remember that day we met in Lebanon TN.
Thank you for sharing her with us!! Lots of love to you and all her family! ❤️
Hi friend! I was thinking of you yesterday! We're due back to TN in September. I hope we can connect. Thanks for your comment. Lots of love from the north.
Thank you dear friend. Thank you for sharing your heart and reminding us to focus on the love and happiness that a dear loved one's life has imprinted on our hearts. Your story reminded me of my last time visiting my grandmother, when we knew she was so tired of the hard work of living (at 106 years old, she told us she was so tired because she had spent all day washing floors and the boys just tracked mud all over them again☺️) As I journey with my parents in their later years, I hope I can emulate your heartfelt care and love that you have given and received from your dear grandma...and I hope I can have that sort of relationship with my grandchildren. Take good care and celebrate her memory...Big hugs!❤️
Thank you, Janice! omg. Washing floors with boys around is NO JOKE.
You absolutely are the kid your parents need as they continue to change and grow with the years. I hope you can all find peace with the gifts that challenge and teach.
Thankyou for sharing her story, I'll be giving Laila Sady johnson wasn't beaten by no train a spin today.
Yes! Thank you. What a triumph that I wrote her an anthem!
Your writing is always touching and sincere.
Thank you. ♥️
So wonderful you two had each other.
Ain't that the truth.
Thank so much for this . At a very young age my home life became extremely abusive and traumatic . My grandma Ninny stepped in and raised me as her own. Not just my Grandma, but so much more. The unconditional love, support and guidance she gave me will never leave me. I can honestly say, without my Ninny, I would not be alive today. That is an absolute truth. She is always with me . I can still smell her slight scent of Ponds Cold Cream or Nivea lotion she would apply to her skin before bedtime, the quite jingle of her charm bracelet , the clicking of her knitting needles. I still try and talk to her every day . Sometimes as my ten year old self or the 60 year old man I am now. I love and miss her so damn much. Over time I have learned that eventually, if you let it, grief and love can walk side by side. Thank you for sharing your story. It gave me a smile and a tear. Johnny Rockwell.
Thanks for sharing this. Thank you, Grandma Ninny! May we show up for people the way our grandmothers taught us to.
I’m glad you got some good out of my little tribute to my Grandma Ninny. Take good care of yourself. Hopefully you’ll make it out to the East Coast soon. If you do , I’ll be the first one in the door.
🤜🤛
Shit eh? Thanks for sharing a little bit of her with us. Big hugs.
Pretty much. But it was as good as it could be. ❤️
A stunningly beautiful remembrance. Very glad this came into my inbox.
Thanks, Don. Hope you're well. ❤️
You are a good storyteller, and Laila will always be proud of you. Thanks very much for sharing the story of the two of you together.
I know she was proud of me! Even if she got a little mad at me sometimes. 😅
Your memories, story and song are keeping her alive. She is with you always❤️
Thank you, Carmen.
Thank you Melanie. For sharing this story. For sharing your open heart, your vulnerability, your creativity, your beautiful writing, your strength, and your love.
This means so much from you, Bev. I know you know. ❤️
I'm laughing and crying at the same time here. Thank you.😊
You must have practiced. xo
So beautiful and heart full. Reminded me of my own dear mom who passed in 2023. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for commenting. May your mama live through you and your actions. ❤️
It was such a joy to read about your visit with Laila. You have many of her most admirable traits. She was such a wonderful role model for me. I would never have been able to put together my wedding in 1968 without her help and the rest of the Johnson family. I will tell you the details sometime. She was ready for her next challenge just as my aunt was when she passed at the age of 101. She will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. I will treasure this lovely memorial you have written about her last days.
I would LOVE to hear your stories, Judy! I'll track you down.
We are blessed to have had the love of amazing grandmothers. Love the song you wrote for her and feel the love and admiration there.
I think when the body is done, it is time for the next adventure.
Thank you for sharing. 💕
Hi Deb. ❤️ Thank you for your comment. I agree whole heartedly.
I'm so sorry she's gone but what an amazing blessing to be with her in her last days. Her story has been inspirational for so many! I feel in love with your music through her story, if you remember that day we met in Lebanon TN.
Thank you for sharing her with us!! Lots of love to you and all her family! ❤️
Hi friend! I was thinking of you yesterday! We're due back to TN in September. I hope we can connect. Thanks for your comment. Lots of love from the north.
Wonderful! We must get together!! Americana fest??
My number is the same. Or DM me on Facebook Christina Puza-Smith. If you need a place to stay, I got you covered as well 💖
Beautiful 💕
Hi beauty. Good to see you here. Sending you love from the prairies.
Thank you dear friend. Thank you for sharing your heart and reminding us to focus on the love and happiness that a dear loved one's life has imprinted on our hearts. Your story reminded me of my last time visiting my grandmother, when we knew she was so tired of the hard work of living (at 106 years old, she told us she was so tired because she had spent all day washing floors and the boys just tracked mud all over them again☺️) As I journey with my parents in their later years, I hope I can emulate your heartfelt care and love that you have given and received from your dear grandma...and I hope I can have that sort of relationship with my grandchildren. Take good care and celebrate her memory...Big hugs!❤️
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Thank you, Janice! omg. Washing floors with boys around is NO JOKE.
You absolutely are the kid your parents need as they continue to change and grow with the years. I hope you can all find peace with the gifts that challenge and teach.