Page 13 - Sabrina Markos Program

“Nannan” is a Creole term for “Godmother.” When my God-Auntie Michelle offered me the honor and
privilege to say a few words about her sister – my Godmother – the realization of, not only the immense
loss we have all been given to live with and learn from, but also the blessing of having been able to know
someone so special, so well, gave me great pause. I prayed that whatever I managed to put together to

say would do my Nannan and her memory justice; that I would say the best or at least the right
things in just the right ways. It’s more than difficult to prepare something with a time limit and the
boundaries of such somber ceremony that I’m sure all of us could spend months, if not, years or
decades reminiscing. Instead of choosing which of the many moments and memories would be best to
share here today, I would like to remember my Godmother by sharing the essence and entirety of
experiencing the type of person she was and how she touched the lives of so many with such little effort,

both intentionally and, many times, unknowingly, simply by walking her path through this life, led by
her Faith in God. I believe my Godmother, Sabrina, to have been an angel, defender and protector of
not only myself, but of all those who had the opportunity to share any amount of time with her.
From the moment I was born, she dubbed me “Nu-Man.” She would fly me around with a cape like a
tiny superhero and, ever since, she never failed to be the person who – when I fell or life knocked me

down - would lift me up, dust off my cape and help me remember that it was still possible to fly. She
was my chosen mother, my mother’s chosen sister and, as she used to jokingly say, my father’s “second
wife.” Her laugh could illuminate the deepest darkness. Her sense of humor and wit were unrivaled.
Her ability to genuinely listen was unmatched. Her love and support seemed boundless and infinite.
What I remember most is her unshakeable Faith and Trust in God. Through the many troubles and
trials she had been dealt, never once did she lose her hold on Hope; that Hope and the Faith that,
through times so trying most of us would have been lost, God somehow knew what He was doing. She

was a rock; a rock and guardian to many more than just myself – a well of Light with a sense of
wisdom paired with a child-like wonder that only seemed to grow stronger as we all got older and life
threw bigger and then even bigger obstacles before us.
There aren’t words to express how special my Nannan was and will always be to me; to express the love

and gratitude that I hold in my heart for and because of her. I know my Godmother meant something
special and was someone rare and refreshing to everyone here today and I hope we all realize and never
fail to remember the blessing we have been given in being able to know her in the many ways we have –
however long or however short; to have the memories – good and bad – that will continue on with us
from our gathering here today. Knowing my Nannan, I would ask you all to celebrate Sabrina’s life
and the Joy she brought to us. Though this loss has been sudden, jarring
and painful, I know she is here now, once an earthbound angel,

watching over us and guiding us all through this with the Light of the
Holy Spirit that burned so brightly within her soul. I have never and will
never know or love anyone the way I knew and love my Godmother and I
thank God for allowing me that Gift.
I love you, Nannan.

Love, “Nu-Man” - Joshua Shaw