Heaven took an angel and now my heart is broken. I knew it was coming. I know you are better off. I know you are in heaven because how could you not be? I know you are happy. I know you are with people you love and people you have missed.

But I miss you.

You were such a light in so many people's lives. And I am so proud and happy to have been able to call you my Nanny. You had a confidence, a determination, a strength and a faith that I can only pray for. You were so strong, Nanny! Every day and I love you so much for showing us that kind of strength!

You loved so deep, too. You were always there for us, all of us, in any and every way that you possibly could be! I remember going to state basketball games and you would paint your hair purple and wear just as much purple and gold as the rest of us and you would cheer louder! Everyone knew when Nanny was there!

You were an absolutely amazing person and no one can replace you. I will miss you every day for the rest of my life. I remember one of my birthday parties—I want to say my 19th—and you started talking about how we should have had strippers. Every time I think about that day, it still puts a giant smile on my face. You were always good at that, making us smile especially when we needed it the most. You made everyone around you better just by being you.

I also remember the first time that I actually read the return label on a card from you and I was confused because it said Betty. To me, you will always be Nanny.

I will always consider myself lucky to have had you as a part of my life. It is so rare to be able to truly know your great grandparents and our family was lucky enough to have five living generations. We have all been so blessed to have you in our lives.

Every Christmas, I will remember the joy on your face as we all stood outside your window sing carols. We probably were not the best but you did not care, you loved it anyhow.

Thank you for including me in your family. For loving me as your own great granddaughter. You have made me a better person by simply being a part of my life and I am so grateful. You have helped all of us to look at things in a different light. You have taught us to always smile and to always be grateful for what we have. You have shown us to cherish our family and the amazingly tight bond that we all share. I wish I had the words to express just how much I love you and how much I will miss you!

I love you, Nanny. Say hi to my mom for me, please. I will see you again someday.