Nana Nemo

Doughnuts in bed— an “only with Nana Nemo” treat.

We hosted our first North Carolina guest in Santa Barbara— Miss Lynda or as the kids call her “Nana Nemo.” When Leah was going through her cancer treatment and recovery Lynda worked for us helping to take care of the kids and everything else. People often asked how we made it through that challenging time while having “two under two.” Our answer is always the same, “Lynda.” She is the epitome of the strong, sweet southern woman. We’ve all been blessed by her love, care and friendship. Lynda started with us when Clara was just six weeks old and the bond the two of them share is incredible (just look at Clara shining with joy in the picture at the airport).

It was fun showing Lynda California for the first time and it was a comfort to have her with us— she is a wonderful touchstone of a special place and time in our lives. The kids were taken back by her accent when they first saw (and heard) Nana Nemo again; it stirred something within their little hearts, a longing for a faraway home. We are grateful that Lynda ventured all this way as an ambassador for their small-town southern roots. She was a bridge linking then to now, a world that includes both Bojangle’s and In N’ Out, the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Nana Nemo, William, Miss Jeannie along with Gigi, Brayden and Jasper.

We were sad to say good-bye, but comforted by the reminder that the home we keep in our heart goes beyond time and space. It’s a collection of our most favorite places, people, memories and dreams. What lucky kids to already hold such a rich collection of treasures.