To the beautiful soul I call Gigi,

Thank you for inspiring me.

But where can I start -- my time with you was brief, but I cherished every second of it.

You fought for 94 years and kept pacing on. In your last moments you managed to make friends, bring delight and stay positive. You were one of the biggest cheerleaders for so many people in our family. Pushing, encouraging and motivating people to do their best.

I have memories of you coming to visit when I was around eight years old. For whatever reason, you suggested we race to put on our seat belts. Out of 18 car rides, you won twice, eight year old me was bitter about it. Short and limited, but gracious memories like this are always going to make me smile. They remind me of you and your nature as a person; someone that always seemed to have fun with the little moments.

I remember being 13 and challenging Kelsey and Danielle to count the number of orange or Oklahoma State memorabilia in your house. Needless to say, all three of us lost count after two hundred items. Your undying love for sports and "the greatest college ever" will always be remembered.

You were always extremely generous, kind and encouraging to the people around you. In your last years, I remember going with Grandpa to drop you back off at your room. Walking with you, as you wheeled next to me, we'd stop every couple of minutes and have conversations with friends you had made. Every step of the way, you had someone to acknowledge and say hello to.

I remember growing up and spending yearly Christmas celebrations with the whole family at your house. Your home was full of serenity and joy, celebrating Christmas as more than a holiday, but as a time for peace and love. Some of my favorite early childhood moments took place there.

You had a warmth about you that rarely see in people; along with a genuine smile that brought so much joy to the lives of our family. As hard as it was to hear you leave, I'm so grateful for the time you spent here on Earth and for the lives you impacted along the way.

The last time I saw you was a hard one. In a hospital longing to feel well, I spent a few minutes there. "You keep getting uglier and uglier every year," you say to me with a wink and a smile. Your ability to joke and make people laugh is my favorite thing about you. That same sense of humor was passed down to my grandpa and dad who never cease to give me a hard time.

All I can say it that I hope your ride up to Heaven was a smooth one, and as my grandpa also said, I pray you are reunited with those for whom you yearned.

Love,

Amber, one of your many great grand-daughters.