Last week, Hurricane Ida cruised through the Gulf of Mexico and then proceeded up the Georgia-Alabama border as a tropical depression dumping 5 inches of rain at my house. The former storm shared the name Ida with two of my all-time favorite people, my wife (Baby Ida) and my late mother-in-law (Big Ida). As the storm developed and moved our way, we all wondered what impact the storm might have – big or baby? At the same time it was impossible not to reminisce about the influence the late Mrs. Charles Hudson had on her family and this community.

I knew her for only a little over 11 years, and unfortunately this was not long enough but I came to recognize over that short time that she was a very gifted woman. I most often called her Nana, the name given to her by her grandchildren.

She was funny.

She was forthright.

She was caring.

She was a difference maker.

Nana made me laugh:

She shared amusing tales describing her childhood and adolescent escapades. She told of horseback rides to obscure locations and college experiences like none I had ever heard.

She also tickled my insides when she referred to the challenge of raising four children, especially through their respective teenage years. I chuckled most when she described some of my wife’s classic misadventures.

Normal conversations would often turn comical when we discussed politics or other current affairs. She could put her unique spin on any issue and create humor in the process.

Nana shot you straight:

There was no beating around the bush with my mother-in-law. When she inquired, she did so directly. She also wanted a prompt and honest response. If you hesitated when she questioned, it raised her brow. If you said something she did not agree with, she would let you know. Her instincts were usually right on because she had a genuine gift for reading and understanding people.

Life’s experiences are the greatest educators. As I get older, I realize this more and more. Nana was talented at using this notion to impart her wisdom to those who sought her advice. She had an aptitude for being tough when necessary or sympathetic when need be. She was a skilled synthesizer which enabled her to get through a lot of the trash and prioritize. She used both successes and failures to influence opinion.

Nana had a big ol’ heart:

Though she was not a hugger or one who openly expressed her feelings, it was easy to know that Nana loved her family as deeply as one can love. She stayed around on earth long enough to greet two great-grandchildren and they were the major subject of conversation and the loves of her life. She was indeed the queen mother, grandmother and great-grandmother of a family truly devoted to one another.

Nana also had a special compartment in her heart for special-needs children. Her service to their cause is well-documented but the best measure of her passion was the way her face lit up when she was in the presence of such a child.

Nana loved animals as well, especially horses. Ironically, she convinced Baby Ida and me to adopt a puppy shortly before she passed away.

And last, Nana enjoyed Lifetime movies. In my humble opinion, anyone who can watch those sappy things must be full of “the love.”

Nana did tons of good:

Nana used her financial resources to help lots of people. She kept 2-year-olds in the church nursery for twentysome-odd years. She was readily accessible any time a family member or friend needed to bend her ear.

When my own mom passed away about a year ago, I let Nana know that she was going to have to be my mother figure; she accepted with a smile.

Mrs. Hudson was more of a behind-the-scenes person. She neither desired nor required the spotlight. Despite her unassuming nature in public, she was undeniably a godsend to many folks from all walks of life.

In comparison to many, my memories of Nana are short-lived, but I sure do miss her. Hurricane Ida was a reminder of her forever presence. Though she is no longer physically with us, we know she is up there creating a stir.