Loving. Open. Understanding. Kind. Generous. Stunning. Angelic. Heart of gold. Classy. Fighter. Survivor. Mother. Wife. Mimi. Each of these words captures the essence of my Mimi. She was my angel on Earth, but for eight years she has been my angel in Heaven. My Mimi has had the most impact on my life thus far from the way that she presented herself to the wise words of wisdom she spoke. For the years that we were together on Earth I always felt her immense love. I hope that she was able to feel the intense love and admiration that I had for her because I do not know anyone else who was as selfless and had a heart as big as she did. Before my Mimi passed away, she told my family that she wanted her life to be celebrated. I want to celebrate the intense love I have for her, the unparalleled memories that we share, and her fighting spirit.

I remember my Mimi’s fighting spirit when she battled cancer and juvenile diabetes. She handled the blow of bad news with class and grace. She continued to fight for her life even though she knew her life would be cut short due to the cancerous cells infecting healthy cells. I cannot imagine being in her shoes and finding the grace and ability to fight two diseases at one time. Her strong faith in God helped her fight her battle, as she knew that God was watching over her. Her faith allowed her to let God take the reigns and allowed her to focus on her family. I have many memories of when she was ill. I remember seeing her when she was feeling sick and when she felt on top of the world. I remember when she let me be her little nurse. I would help prick her fingers and figure out her blood-sugar levels so that she could inject the right amount of insulin into her body. I remember going to the hospital when she was sick. Her caring heart led her to be brave in front of her grandchildren, as she wanted us to remember her in the healthiest light we could. I remember her as beautiful and angelic. When she lost all of her hair, my Mimi wanted us to feel comfortable around her so she let us all color her bald head with washable markers in order to let us know that she was the same person no matter what she looked like. She was beautiful inside and out in every stage of her fight, but it was her strong will to continue fighting and her large heart that outshone her physical beauty.

I will always hold onto and cherish the wonderful, love-filled memories I have with my Mimi. I remember the warmth of her embrace as I was wrapped in her loving arms, and the sweet, soft tone of her voice as she told me she loved me. Whenever I dig through my purse and pull out a ladybug I am reminded of her, as she loved ladybugs. When I hear the song “Last of Days” by A Fine Frenzy I am reminded of the love that we shared, as I will love her forever. My Mimi wanted to make sure that she took advantage of the time that she had with her grandchildren, as she wanted to soak up every second that she had left on Earth making time for family. I can truly say that my Mimi took advantage of her time on Earth. She made time to be with all her grandchildren at family events and one on one. I remember the stockings that she would hang up in her house. She had one for every grandchild. Every Christmas we spent at her house all of us grandchildren would run to our stockings and see that Santa left us even more at her house. The amazing Christmas meals that we shared with her were so special, but my favorite part was after dinner when my Mimi would play the piano and sing as all the adults watched the grandchildren parade around the room dancing to my Mimi’s songs. Every memory that I have with her is sacred and will never be forgotten.

My Mimi could light up a room with her infectious smile and confidence. Everyone was mesmerized by her glow. She touched every soul that she met as she had this unique ability to touch others' hearts. The love that she had for my family was incomparable. She was selfless and would do anything to help us. The love that she and my Poppy shared was a love that I hope to find one day. They knew one another since elementary school and shared a close bond. My Poppy helped my Mimi through every step of her fight against both diseases, and was there to give her the love and support she needed. The two of them were able to confront every obstacle because they held each other’s hands through the process. My mom was my Mimi’s best friend. My mom knew my Mimi like no one else. She was there for my Mimi 24/7. She helped my Mimi with every aspect of her battle and was able to be a wonderful, present mom at the same time. I admire my mom for always being there for my Mimi and for taking the time to support her because in the end family is all that matters. Family was the most important thing to my Mimi. She knew that at the end of the day family is always there for us and grounds us.

My love for my Mimi is immeasurable. Our love has neither bounds nor exceptions. It is simply irreplaceable and unconditional. I pray that I make her proud. I want to live out her legacy and share her intense love. I want to make others feel as special as she made everyone who was lucky enough to be graced with her presence feel. I am beyond thankful for the important role that she played in my life. I continue to feel her love and hear her words of wisdom every passing day. There are no words to express my admiration for my Mimi. Thank you Mimi, for always loving me.

I love you, Mimi. Forever and always.

--Your Anna