As Michelle gripped her grandmother's hand, she could not believe the final hour was here. For months she had watched her grandmother bravely fight cancer. Now it was clear her nana couldn't handle it any longer. Michelle's cheeks were soaked with tears, and her voice hitched in her throat trying to say her last words.
Michelle is devastated. Trying to hold her tears, she is looking at her nana and asking for one last thing. To her surprise, her grandmother refuses to break the promise she made. Nothing can persuade her in the opposite, even though it means breaking Michelle’s heart.
Who Were They?
Michelle McDougal came from a family of strong, independent women. She was the first grandchild and was immediately spoiled by her doting grandmother. From Michelle’s first breath, her nana was by her side.
The bond these two women formed was unbreakable, and Michelle could never imagine a day without her grandmother. There was one particular thing that was making their bond even stronger.
Special Day
Michelle was born on her grandmother’s birthday. The two women shared a special celebration with two cakes side by side. All of Michelle’s birthday wishes have her grandmother in the background, smiling and laughing with excitement.
As more grandchildren were born, the relationship between Michelle and her grandmother remained unique and special. While other grandchildren looked on in jealousy Michelle had no idea her time was running out for creating more memories.
Best Of Friends
Michelle loved spending time with her grandmother, and the pair developed shared hobbies. They never needed money to have fun, and instead would go camping together or spend hours sitting playing cards. Michelle’s favorite thing was to sit and talk with her grandmother.
After living an amazing life, her grandmother had tons of advice for Michelle, regardless of the problem. She always knew she could turn to her grandmother for a fresh perspective. Who would answer Michelle’s questions when her grandmother was gone?
No Topic Was Off Limits
Michelle never worried about what she said to her grandmother. The two could spend hours on the phone or in-person chatting and going through Michelle's questions. They covered love, heartbreak, and even shared recipes.
While Michelle always knew her grandmother would do anything for her, she didn’t realize how close her grandmother had come to losing her first grandchild. 10 days after Michelle was born a life & death situation proved that money can’t buy you happiness.
A Life Or Death Experience
When Michelle was 10 days old she was diagnosed with pneumonia. Her little body was barely developed and her mom was frantic figuring out where she would find the money for medical bills.
Later in life, Michelle’s grandfather shared a surprising fact. Michelle’s grandmother was prepared to do what it took to make sure her granddaughter survived. There was no cost deemed too large, but what if it cost Michelle’s grandmother her own health in the process?
Triple Shifts
When Michelle was first born her grandmother worked in a shoe store. When she was diagnosed with pneumonia at 10 days old, her grandfather told her an amazing fact. For the entire time Michelle was in the hospital, her grandmother worked triple shifts.
She would open and close the store and work overtime, as long as every dollar went to Michelle’s health. Even years later, her grandmother’s sacrifice was touching, and then Michelle realized one important detail.
A Home Nurse
While Michelle was recovering from pneumonia, she had a home nurse that helped her mother and made sure she made a swift recovery. The cost was astronomical and definitely not something her young mother could afford.
The theme of money would come up several times between Michelle and her grandmother. It was clear that Michelle saw it as something that saved her life, while her grandmother thought it was an annoying part of life. It turned out it would be the bond that was the strongest in their relationship….
In The Shadows
Michelle’s grandmother did not like to be in the spotlight. She would do whatever she needed to do for her family to make them shine but she wished to remain in the shadows. Michelle was constantly praising her grandmother and in awe of her wisdom and strength.
Everything changed when Michelle’s grandmother got the diagnosis. It was cancer and it was spreading quickly. Michelle was convinced that this wouldn’t the end of her relationship, but she had no idea it would enter the paranormal.
The First Battle
When the phone call confirmed that Michelle’s grandmother had cancer, the entire family rallied together in support. Aunts, cousins, and distant relatives flew in and over the course of two years, the family home was full of visitors.
Michelle spent as much time with her grandmother as possible. She didn’t want to miss a single doctor's appointment, and wanted to give her grandmother the same support she received. The family envisioned a bright future, and the only possible outcome was a clean bill of health. No one could imagine a life without their fearless matriarch, but this was out of the family's control.
The First Fight
One day after several treatments, Michelle’s grandmother's doctor phoned. It was the follow up appointment that gave everyone hope for a bright future. Michelle’s grandmother had beaten the odds and was in remission.
Michelle was thrilled and couldn’t not believe how strong her grandmother had been. Truly it was a miracle. The family had no idea that this would not be the last time their matriarch did something miraculous.
Reward & Remission
The year of remission was perfect. It took Michelle’s grandmother a minute to gain back her strength, but soon the pair were out enjoying coffee and walks together. Michelle valued every minute she got to spend with her best friend.
Michelle could not believe how lucky she felt to have her grandmother still with her. She never wanted to imagine a day when she couldn’t pick up the phone and hear her voice on the other end. One experience would force Michelle to face a harsh reality.
It Was Back With A Vengeance
After a year of remission, Michelle’s grandmother’s cancer was back. The doctor told her the disease had progressed to a point that treatment was not an option. They had to make a plan to make her comfortable.
As Michelle absorbed the doctor's words, her world crashed down around her. She knew this was the time for her to fight and be strong but she felt weak. How could she face a life without her best friend by her side?
Rotating Sleepovers
Michelle’s grandfather had already passed and her grandmother needed someone to be with her around the clock. Michelle, her mother, aunts and two cousins rotated responsibility with staying the night.
Michelle loved these nights and instead of sleeping, her grandmother would stay up sharing more stories with Michelle. They would talk about her grandmother’s childhood, when she met her husband and one big topic about Michelle’s future.
Smile Through The Storm
Michelle wanted to do something in honor of her grandmother and her grandfather. She decided to start the non-profit Smile Through The Storm. On her last sleepover with her grandmother, they talked at length about the non-profits’ vision.
Michelle remembers the happy night and the smell of chinese food while the two woman watched Nana's favorite shows. During a commercial break they began to speak about the non-profit and Michelle made a daring request from the woman who would give her anything.
It Was Obvious
There was no use denying that Michelle’s grandmother was sick, and instead of ignoring it the woman spoke at length about their relationship and hopes for the future. Michelle was struggling to understand what life would be like without her grandmother and made one important comment.
At the time, the words made Michelle feel better but she never expected her grandmother to follow through. Michelle’s grandmother would always make sure she knew how much she loved her, even if she had to do it in her next life.
A Penny For Your Thoughts
On their last sleepover, Michelle couldn’t help but get emotional and decided to make a joke to lighten the mood. She grabbed her grandmother's hand and said, “Nana, when you get to heaven please send me lots of pennies so I know you’re still near.”
At the time both women laughed and the simple request, and Michelle’s grandmother quickly agreed. Michelle went to sleep that night heart full of love for her grandmother. It was only two days later that heaven gained another angel.
A Long Happy Life
After 84 years, Michelle’s grandmother was called up to heaven. She left behind a huge family full of doting daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her local community spoke of her charity and generous nature.
She left behind a legacy that would not soon be forgotten, but nothing could replace her physical presence. Michelle left the funeral and felt empty. She didn’t know where to turn or how to filter her grief. From high above, her grandmother was already working on a solution.
The Last Promise
When Michelle had particularly hard days missing her grandmother she would think back to their final sleepover. MIchelle’s grandmother had passed away two days later and those last moments were precious to Michelle.
She remembered her final request for her grandmother to send her pennies. Anything from beyond the grave felt impossible, but Michelle would love any sign from her loved one. She didn’t realize how seriously her grandmother had taken this final promise, and could barely believe the results!
It Didn’t Take Long
Michelle didn’t have to wait too long to see if her grandmother would keep her promise. Instantly she began to find pennies. She would trip over them out walking or find them in strange places.
Every time Michelle found another shiny piece of copper she picked it up and held it close to her heart. She whispered silently, “Thank you nana, I love you.” Michelle thought she would find one or two pennies, but her grandmother's spirit had very different plans.
The Family Feedback
While Michelle was busy collecting her tiny copper coins, her relatives began to joke that she should have asked for $20 dollar bills. Michelle had to laugh because there was no denying that she was collecting pennies at an alarming rate.
She quickly began filling mason jars but soon one turned into two turned into five! She knew she had to figure out a different way to capture this special bond and promise her grandmother was keeping. What could she do that would capture the love? A suggestion came from the most unlikely of places…..
Have You Ever Thought About….
Michelle’s husband had been by her side while she grieved and also knew about her grandmother’s last promise. He would never make fun of his wife’s sentimental nature and wanted to help her design something to remember her late-grandmother.
One day over dinner he suggested building something with the pennies. Something they could hang in their house and give her grandmother a physical presence. Michelle’s grandmother’s spirit could not be contained, so what could Michelle design in her honor? The solution was right in front of her face.
A Heart Beat Beyond
Michelle began to design a gorgeous barn board base that she would attach the pennies too. She had to figure out the best way to make the pennies stay in shape, but it was clear she had more than enough to work on in the project.
Michelle knew that whatever she created had to demonstrate her bond and long-lasting connection with her grandmother. Only one shape would really do. When Michelle realized what she wanted to do, it was so simple - she knew her grandmother was smiling down from heaven.
The Four Year Anniversary
Michelle didn’t rush figuring out what to do with her thousands of pennies. She continued to collect and keep them in mason jars. As the four year anniversary approached, she felt restless and wanted to figure out a memorial.
Her husband suggested crafting something from a barn board, and a lightbulb clicked in Michelle’s brain. She could see exactly what she wanted to create, but just hoped she was creative enough to pull it off. Michelle found the support of her family and began to work on the project tirelessly.
A Sacrifice Of Love
As Michelle worked on her project tirelessly, she remembered her grandmother’s work ethic and her dedication to anything her family wanted to accomplish. Every hour that Michelle and her husband spent working on the memorial, she felt her grandmother's presence.
She could picture her sitting across from her and being supportive while drinking a cup of tea. The vision of her grandmother smiling down on her and approving the artistic memorial drove Michelle forward, until finally the piece was complete.
A Time Consuming Act Of Love
Michelle’s husband drilled together the barn board and they made sure it was weather treated and cleaned. When the base was finished Michelle began gluing each penny in place. She carefully designed the shape to match the vision she held close in her mind.
Michelle wanted to make sure she got as close to the image in her head as possible. A part of her was convinced that this idea was also an idea her grandmother would approve of. As Michelle glued each coin in place, she knew one wrong choice could destroy her entire vision.
The Final Penny
After she glued the final penny in place, she took a step back and was overcome with emotions. She was proud of herself but also felt a fresh wave of grief wash over her body. This memorial really meant that her beloved grandmother was gone, but Michelle knew her spirit would continue to exist.
The shape was so important. Michelle stared at the barn boards and the thousands of pennies and knew, “It had to be a heart. What else is there to symbolize such deep love?”
The Final Piece
Michelle wanted to do one final detail to make the piece complete. With her husband's help she found one of her grandmother's old birthday cards, and traced her handwriting. The couple scanned the image into the computer and made a stencil.
With her grandmother's penship, Michelle signed the heart the only way she knew how. These last four words were the cherry on top of a perfect memorial that captured the two women’s special bond. Michelle’s heart was full of love, but what would her family think about this art project?
Love & Kisses, Nana
In gold paint at the bottom corner, Michelle was able to recreate her grandmother’s classic signature from birthday cards and anniversaries in the past. It made the memorial feel complete and as if Michelle’s grandmother had signed off on the project herself.
Now Michelle was ready to hang the masterpiece in her home and keep the memory of her sweet nana alive for years to come. Michelle wanted to choose a spot that felt right, but with such a big meaning was it possible?
A Legacy For Years To Come
Michelle finally chose to hang the beautiful copper artwork in her family room. The joy of seeing the thousand pennies and remembering her final conversation with her grandmother settled her heart. Slowly Michelle began to process her grief and find more ways to keep her grandmother’s legacy alive.
Michelle continues to run her non-profit Smile Through The Storm and is an active member of her community. Her grandmother will still occasionally leave a penny, and Michelle never goes a day without feeling her grandmother's love from above.