Dear Momma-Ione (my dad's mom),

I haven't seen you since I was six years old. Although I'll never understand why He took you, I know God had a plan. He had a special job for you up in heaven and I know you're working hard at it. I think of you often, but especially around this time of the year.

There are so many things that I wish you were here for. I often think, "What would Momma-Ione do if she were here in this situation?" I want to tell you so many things, ask you so many things, and share so many things with you. I know you weren't perfect, but to six-year-old me, you were pretty close. I know that you would always know just what to do or how to help. And even now, I know that you are still watching over me and helping me from up above.

You were my best friend at the time and, although you were only in my life for a short time, I am so thankful for everything that you taught me. You taught me to love Jesus, my family, and myself. You taught me how to make Mickey Mouse pancakes. You shared a love for story-telling and Christmas time with me. You were a great role model and I am so proud to have been able to call you my grandmother. I'm proud of who you were as a person and how you raised my dad and my aunts. I'm also proud of the legacy that you left behind. You made a huge impact on the lives of so many.

I miss you every day and I wish you were physically here to share life with and to see everything that goes on in my life. I know, however, that you're still here in heart and soul with me whenever I need you. I know you're looking down smiling at me right now.

I don't know if heaven has Wi-Fi, but I sure do hope you see this.

Love always,

Alayna