I’m not great with words, and trying to condense something so amazing as my Nan into a few paragraphs just doesn’t really feel right, or possible.

Nan was more than just my Grandma, she was one of my best friends. Being able to call her to gossip, cry or laugh…and now knowing I can’t do that, leaves a big hole. She’d always tell it like it is, and after she’d say, “I’m horrible. I’m a horrible woman.” And we’d laugh it off, ‘cause we were BOTH horrible just complaining back and forth to each other.

I knew the day eventually would come, and that she was waiting to go be with Pops. She would crack jokes about death, but I knew these past few months it was also tinged in sadness and the reality sinking in. I didn’t really want to believe it and when people would bring up her inevitable passing, I would just think, “Nah, she’s fine. She’s not going anywhere.”

But to try to prepare myself, I did interviews with her for a memory book, I saved all her voicemails, and I took in as much as I could with being so far away.

The day I found out, I spent the day getting those things together so family can have a copy too, and it helped listening to her voice. A constant in her life was her love she had with Pops.

The last two questions in the book:

What was the best decision you’ve ever made?: “Marry my husband”

If you could go back in time and visit your younger self, what advice would you give?:

“Nothing. I did what I wanted to do.”

She lived her life on her terms, and lived many years with the love of her life.

It doesn’t get any better, or more fulfilling than that.

I love you, Nan. I miss you every day. I hope you are having the time of your life up in heaven with Pops.

So sorry for your loss, she was special. I will miss Dot a lot. We became friends playnig pinochle and talked about how much we wanted to learn how to swim. So we decided to take swimming lessons together. We never got the swimming part down, but we laughed a lot. My life got a little crazy lately and have not been able to spend time with her, but did talk on the phone.

She talked of her family often and of her grandchildren. She will be missed and will gladly make a donation in her name.

My Aunt Dot was also my Godmother. I always loved seeing her. My wife and I spent time two years ago at Louis and Patty's place along with Ricky. I will never forget her. I especially loved her South Carolina accent. :) She will be missed.

Love Michael Finsterbusch

Aunt Dot…taught me how to play 500 Rummy, always there for me, we loved hanging out together, and I loved living there as a kid…she was like a Mom to me. My heart is heavy.

So sorry to hear about Dot. She was a very special lady. We will miss our cousin until we meet again. We will keep all of you in our prayers.