Nita

 I’ve been mulling over for a few weeks now, how to put into words what Anita has meant to me through the years.

She came into my life when I was a teenager,  when she started working for my dad as his secretary. She was part of a large family that became very important to mine. Her dad, Sonny and his brother, Charlie were married to two sisters; her mom, Linda and her aunt Brenda. I always called them “the Potts and Pans” to keep them straight. I remember the whole Potts family being involved in The Living Christmas Tree, and Anita being in the ensemble and how captivating her voice was. There are also memories of cookouts, holidays, and lots of love, and laughter, and I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of it. She became a confidante, someone I could share my heart with, without any fear of judgement. When I was married to my children’s father she sang in the wedding. She had the voice of an angel, but was so very humble about it. I watched her as she and my dad were married. She never pushed, and let me come to acceptance at my own pace. She made my dad laugh, and brought such joy to his life. I learned so much from her about being a wife, and mother. She loved dad, and Adam with a passion. The most amazing thing to me was the respect she gave my mom. She, and dad included her in get togethers, and made it much easier on me. One of my most precious memories is from both my grandpa and one year later my grandma Smith’s funerals, walking behind my dad, who had his arm around Anita on one side, and my mom, Kate on the the other. She was an amazing “Granita”. She loved me, and my kids as her own. This led to some funny conversations in stores when she would introduce me as her daughter! With one income, and four children money was always tight, especially at Christmas. Dad, and Anita gave us Christmas money every year, and we would go out to dinner, and shopping. I will forever be grateful that they understood we also wanted to be able to give gifts. When I went through the divorce, she encouraged, and loved on me, giving me hope that everything would be okay eventually. When Mike, and I married, his kids became hers also. They began to experience the Granita my children had always known, and loved. Christmas at Olive Garden, and then going back to the house to open presents with lots of sweet goodies, and laughter. No one does Christmas like Anita. I watched her love, and care for her mom, Linda. She was an example for me as Mike, and I now care for my mom. She and I loved sharing verses, songs, and books about our faith. She understood me in a way no one else ever has. She loved the mountains, and shared her mountain house with everyone. I can remember her giving me a day to myself  to explore the town when the kids , and I went to visit one summer. Every mom knows how nice that is! When dad was admitted to hospice she opened their home to me, and I was able to be there with them for dads last few weeks. I will be forever grateful for that time. I know it was hard to go on when she lost dad, but she did, and was a wonderful example of how to rely on God. 

I never dreamed our time together would come to an end so early, and so quickly. There were so many things we planned to do together. I take comfort in the fact nothing was left unsaid, and she is with our Lord Jesus now, but I will miss her forever. She was a precious blessing in my life.

Save a place for me, Nita...❤️