“Love doesn’t die with death. Love is like liquid; when it pours out, it seeps into others’ lives. Love changes form and shape. Love gets into everything. Death doesn’t conquer all; love does. Love wins every single time. Love wins by lasting through death. Love wins by loving more, loving again, loving without fear.”
― Kate O'Neill

My Nannie lived a long, full life of 91 years. She had seven children and many, many grandchildren. Even in her final days, she had so many visitors and so much love. She blessed so many people with her loving spirit and presence.

Arling Daniels was the mother of my father. My father was actually the youngest of all of his siblings and was born a little later in my Nannie's life. Even though I did not have as much time as some to spend with Nannie, this does not mean I did not love and cherish every second of it.

She had an apartment that she lived in for as long as I can remember up until around five years ago. She suffered a stroke which resulted in the left side of her body being paralyzed; the family decided it was best for her to be placed in a nursing home.

During her five years at the nursing home, she touched so many lives. Other residents came to visit her as well as the staff. It even resulted in nurses or aides coming to visit her even if they were no longer employed at the living facility Nannie was located at.

Unfortunately, over the years at the nursing home, Nannie's health declined as she aged. She had a few more strokes, some minor and some not so minor. She also had trouble with breathing and swallowing. While I can speak for myself and the rest of the family that we will miss her terribly, we are all relieved she is no longer suffering with these health problems she endured.

Despite these issues, her faith in God always remained strong. She was beautiful and pure inside and out with a little bit of a sassy side that always kept us laughing. I absolutely cannot forget to mention her cooking. I have yet to meet a single person that would deny how delicious her food was! My personal favorite was the chocolate meringue pie.

While her friends' and families' hearts are heavy, at least we have the comfort of knowing she is home with God and has no health concerns. We are also assured she lived a wonderful life with overflowing love and support. We will always remember her cooking, sassy yet loving attitude, spoon collection, stuffed animals, love for the New York Yankees and game shows, and chocolate. Oh, she loved her chocolate.

I love you so much, Nannie. I cannot wait to see you again one day.

In Loving Memory of Arling M. Daniels

November 24, 1924 - August 17, 2016

Nannie with five of her seven children. (From left) Paige, George, Keith, Ronald, Gayle.

My father and Nannie.

My brother Nathan, Nannie, and I.