My grandmother Wilma, though everyone calls her Nana has been in my life since I was two years old. We’ve always been close, but as I’ve grown older, especially over the past few years, our bond has deepened in ways I never could have imagined. Part of that is age and viewpoint. The other part is watching her fight cancer twice.
Two years ago, she received a lung cancer diagnosis. Surgery took part of her lung. Six months later, breast cancer followed. Two separate diagnoses in less than a year. It has been a difficult journey, yet Nana remains resilient. Still fighting.
For years, I’ve begged her to move in with me so I can care for her more easily. But she’s stubborn just like me. Nana’s lived in the same house for 38 years, and it’s her sanctuary. She loves her home, her yard, her morning coffee on the porch, and especially, her neighbors. No matter what others say about the neighborhood, it’s filled with people who love her fiercely.
I work full-time night shifts in the emergency room and juggle school during the day. It’s not easy being the primary caregiver while also trying to build my future. That’s where her incredible neighbors come in. They check on her throughout the day, bring meals, run errands and they’ve even stepped in to take her to chemo and appointments when I couldn’t. Their generosity has been a source of support for both of us.
One neighbor in particular has made a deep impact Caleb, a bright and joyful 7-year-old boy who lives next door with his grandmother and family. His friendship with Nana began over a simple extra plate of food. That steak dinner sparked something special. He now visits regularly, checking on her, bringing laughter, energy, and light into her world. The day I snapped a photo of the two of them on the porch, I saw more than just a cute moment I saw love in its purest form.
Caleb doesn’t come from much, but he emits love. He’s goofy, clever, vibrant, and exceptionally warmhearted. He’s moved my grandmother’s heart in ways that words cannot express. I hope one day he realizes how deeply he’s stuck both our lives.
As Nana begins another round of radiation 30 sessions in total I ask for prayers. And I hope this story reminds you that, in a world filled with noise and division, somewhere on a porch in Jackson, Tennessee, a young boy and an elderly woman chose love. No conditions, no barriers just love.
