Darkness is in Life

Darkness is in life
But overcoming darkness
Takes love
To love is a gift 
And a gift to cherish

Darkness is in life
But overcoming darkness
Takes hope
Hope is a star 
A star that brightens up the sky

Darkness is in life
But overcoming darkness
Takes laughter
Laughter is a cheetah
Can go far in a short time

Darkness is in life
But overcoming darkness
Takes you
You are a butterfly
A beautiful creature
A creature that does not yield
A creature that is only itself

By Hannah Middleton

Navajo Blessingway Prayer


In beauty may I walk
All day long may I walk
Through the returning seasons may I walk
On the trail marked with pollen may I walk
With grasshoppers about my feet may I walk
With dew about my feet may I walk
With beauty may I walk
With beauty before me, may I walk
With beauty behind me, may I walk
With beauty above me, may I walk
With beauty below me, may I walk
With beauty all around me, may I walk
In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, lively, may I walk
In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, living again, may I walk
It is finished in beauty
It is finished in beauty

Nancy Middleton (nee Gabhart)
9 Joy Ave, Stonington, CT 06378

Mama, the kids, and I when I got my Ph.D., Philosophy, Columbia University

Dearest Nancy -- 
You were the best Mother-in-Law anyone could ever have, and I miss you every day. You were a fantastic grandmother, a most loving mother, and one who would fight like a tiger to do all that's right. The children learned so much from you and love you so much. Our travels together and visits meant everything.  I just wish there had been more.  We have shed many tears, but I am so grateful to have had the privilege of having you in our lives.

Thank you and love,

Jennifer

Our kids added a photo below.Hannah (left) is almost 14. Naomi (right) is 16 and a half. Naomi is Highest Honors  at Stonington High School. Hannah has recently won the Martin Luther King Scholarship College Nomination for someone with the highest grades, community service, and who exemplifies Dr. King's ideals in her life. They both loved their grandmother, to whom they gave the Chinese name "NaiNai", grandmother, more than just about anything. They are so grateful they spoke to her just before she died.   Nancy Middleton (nee Gabhart)

My Nainai was the most wonderful, super-ultra-awesome-amazing grandmother I ever had. Even though I only remember glimpses of her, they were always of her smiling. I remember sharing toast and jam, and blueberry picking with her. We had the bestest times, and I will always remember them.

My Nainai was a wonderful woman. My favorite memories of her were when she would come up and visit us. We would do fun things like go to the zoo, play the piano together, watch the Sound of Music, watch Murder She Wrote, and so on. I loved and still love her very much and will miss her every day. I am very happy we had the time we did and view myself as very lucky to have been one of her granddaughters. I love you Nainai!!! :D 

<3 ~Naomi

I would like to thank Jefferson Manor for their deeply loving care which made it possible for my Mom able to have a fulfilling, happy life for the last part of her life. She and all of us were so fortunate in their unwavering commitment and devotion. I would also like to thank her many friends in Harrodsburg, at Jefferson Manor, and in many other places whose loyalty has always provided her with so much interest and companionship on the journey.

My early childhood memories of “Nancy Senior”  have a lot to do with her demonstrating the importance of beauty in books, music, pretty much every form of art, and nature by sharing them, daily and in every way possible—reading, singing, going to performances, looking and talking. Our conversations every week, until a few days before her death, were full of her thoughts and her always penetrating, sharp, funny observations, her profound interest in everything and her love of the world.  

As she became able to “do” less and less, one was able to see what she was more and more. She grew larger and larger inside rather than diminishing with age.  What shone even more in her last time on earth was her love of living, of people, and of all of us in her family, her friends, and her community.

Her love of living, of the world, and of each of us visibly became a profound, immoveable, unstoppable force. That love has made and makes the best kind of difference in all our lives. Through her uncompromising courage and commitment to life absolutely no matter what happened, she became a bright, fully alive part of the beauty she loved so much all her life in all created things. And, like all beauty, there is a gift of permanence and goodness that remains, no matter what happens.

Nancy Middleton (nee Gabhart)

Elizabeth,  Your mom was a wonderful woman, she was just as beautiful on the inside as the outside.  I am blessed to have known her and you -  Thank you for sharing her with us at Jefferson Manor.  Love always, Kim

I knew your mom at Jefferson manor. She always looked so beautiful and had a smile for everyone. She sat with my mom at dinner for a long time. So sorry for your loss. I will miss seeing her smile. Diane Stretz-Thurmond.

Elizabeth, I loved your mother so very much! You both were always so good to me and made each day a pleasant one just being around you all. I will never forget either of you. I will miss you both more than you will ever know and I want you to know that I will always be there for you if you need anything. I LOVE YOU BOTH and you are in my thoughts and prayers every day forever.
Love, Ashlie Wardrip (Jefferson Manor)

Elizabeth,

You and your family are in our thoughts an prayers.  You have our deepest sympathy.  Warm regards, Bonita, Ray and Scotty Rivera

OBITUARY

Nancy Milby Gabhart

May 14, 1924 – November 17, 2013

Arch L. Heady and Son Funeral Home & Cremation Services

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