~My Nana~

There are so many things to say about this precious woman in my life that I don't know where to start. She has made such an impact on me and has taught be so many things about God, life, and love. I guess a good place to start is from the beginning. Juel Waters Turner (Nana) was one of 4 girls and grew up right outside of Millen, GA, in a small community called Bay Branch. She has so many wonderful memories of her childhood with her parents and sisters and working in the fields and going to school. I love to hear her talk about those days! Once she graduated high school, she went on to work at Thompson Company, a plant that made men's clothing. By the time she retired, she had worked all the way up to Plant Manager! For a woman, that was a major feat and just shows how dedicated, loyal and hardworking she is. While she was at Thompson Company, she met my granddad, Mark Turner, a farmer from Four Points, another small community outside of Millen. After he returned from World War II, they got married and started their life. Each of them came from larger, very close families, which they instilled in my mother, their only child. My granddad passed away while my mom was in college. (I sure wish I would have gotten to meet him). After my mom and dad got married, they lived in my nana's house with her until they bought our current house in town. The first 5 years of my life, I lived in the country in the house where my mother grew up with my mom, dad and nana! When my parents decided to move to town, they felt that my nana should come too! (I'm so glad she did!) My grandmother has lived with us ever since I was born! It was such a great experience. She kept me, along with my nannie Tuck, every day until I was ready for pre-school. Even after my brother and I started school, she was home every day when we got there and had the best meals prepared every night! My...I was such a lucky girl! I saw my grandmother every single day of my life (almost) until I left for college...and I still saw her most weekends then, and even now, as much as possible! Before I move on to tell you more...here are some pictures of our younger days together!

We have always been extremely close! She has been such a major supporter of all things Cameron. At every high school football game that I was cheering or every basketball game I played...Juel Turner was always in the stands. The same goes for my brother's games as well. She has spoiled us rotten, with many things, but more love than can be imagined. She is and always has been a Christian woman, who has taught us that God always comes first, the Bible should be read daily, praying is the most important thing you can do in a day, and Church is where you should always be on Sunday mornings! She loves spending time with us, going out to eat, and she loves loves loves to watch the Atlanta Braves play. She religiously watches every game! The thing I look forward to every day is our nightly conversations. Sometimes they are short and sweet, but usually not a day goes by that we don't talk on the phone. I know I haven't always been an easy granddaughter, and I'm sure I've caused a few gray hairs, but she has loved me no matter what! Here are a few more pictures!!

 

My Nana will be 92 on August 5th! My how time goes by...and quickly too! She is happy, and healthy and her same old self! What a blessing! I can't imagine life without her and am so blessed that I have her to ask advice and listen for guidance. She loves us very much and WE LOVE HER! This August, she will become a great-grandmother for the first time, and I can't tell you how excited she is or how excited I am! What a great day that will be!