Hi Teta, I miss you.

I've been putting writing this letter to you aside for as long as I could because I knew the tears would not end once I started, and well, I was right. They haven't stopped. It was only a little over a week ago that I was sitting aside your bed holding your hand as you lay there looking so helplessly. It was hard to watch. Seeing you like that broke my heart. I didn't even know it was possible to feel that much pain until that very moment.

When I walked into the room mom told me to say 'hi' to you, even though you would not respond. So I did just that, I said, "Hi Teta, it's Meggie! How are you?" I paused for a second in hopes that I would get some type of response, but I got nothing. I followed that up by squeezing your hand a little harder and resting it on my chest as I said, "I love you" in a rather loud voice to ensure that you heard me- and to our surprise, we were all shocked to hear you quietly murmur, "Meggie...?! I love you."

After hearing those words come out of your mouth despite your tired conditions, made me break down instantly; it was almost as if it was a blessing or a sign from God to get that kind of response from you. I had to leave the room as I felt a huge knot of engulfing my throat as I tried to hold back my tears. Hearing you say those last three words to me meant more to me than you could ever imagine. Not a single day has gone by where I have not thought about that very moment. I knew our time together would soon be coming to a "pause" we'll call it, while God decided it would soon be time to take you on your well-earned trip to Heaven.

Growing up, you were always there for us, taking care of us, praying for us, and loving us unconditionally. And for that, we could not thank you enough. You were the only grandparent I was fortunate enough to know during my life and that has been the biggest blessing that I will always be thankful for. I remember when I was little I would always run up to you and ask you if you had gum, but you would never give it to me unless I asked in Arabic. Or how your face would light up with excitement when you would give us the little crafts you made in the nursing home, and let's not forget how everyone on your floor knew you were the one and only bingo champ who won every single weekend (literally every single weekend).

You were (and always will be) nothing but a huge bubble of joy. Of our 19 years together, I don't think I could name a single time when you were ever angry or not smiling. I'll never forget the way your face would immediately light up with the biggest smile giving your eyes a little twinkle when you heard/ saw one of us walk in the room. You were the happiest and most thankful person I have ever known. I would say I wish I could be half the woman you were but I'm not sure if that is even possible. Everyone who knew you, not only loved you but thought highly of you. You were a blessing to everyone you knew and your love and relationship with God was something so strong nothing in the world could ever break.

I will never forget the way your long gray hair always fell so perfectly into a braid or how soft the touch of your hand was, or how contagious your smile and entire presence was. It would be selfish of me to say I wish you were still here with us, because I know you're up in heaven resting so peacefully, catching up with Gido and Uncle Victor right now. I know you're watching over us so greatly now and I hope we are making you as happy as you have made us. I know you're up there singing all of your favorite songs, and I hope heaven is nothing but everything you have ever imagined and more! I love you so much Teta words cannot even begin to describe how much I love and miss you. You will always have a special place in my heart. Tell Gido and Uncle Victor I say hi. Until we meet again, I will always be thinking of you

Love you forever and always,

Meggie <3

P.S. 99 has never looked better on anyone else