Dear Great-Aunt Cynthia,

Where can I even begin? Not even a year ago, you opened your home to my family and I when we were vacationing in Florida. You treated us so well. Constantly kept us fed, and made sure we were comfortable. To me, you looked happy and healthy. You didn't want us to see that you were suffering, so you hid it. You hid it well.

On May 30th I got the worst phone call. My dad called me saying you only had a few more hours left. I couldn't believe it. My Great-Aunt, who was just driving us around, showing us cities, and talking with us, was now only 60 pounds and dying. My once always laughing and joking aunt, was in excruciating pain.

At first, I cried a lot. I asked God to keep you here and not take you away from us. The thought of losing you scared me. After I thought about how much pain you were in, I prayed for God to take your pain away. I didn't want you to suffer anymore. He did take you away later that night. When I got home the night you died, you visited my dreams. In my dream, you kept telling me that you had to leave.

As much as it hurts to know I'll never see you again, I feel a little better knowing you're at peace now. No more pain or suffering. You're in heaven. We had so many plans for this summer. We were supposed to have dinner on the boat and travel down A1A. Even though we can't accomplish these plans together, whenever we do the things we were supposed to I know you will be with us in Spirit.

You are my inspiration, and I hope to be just like you. You came from nothing and made yourself something by working extremely hard. You were the most hard-working person. It was rare to not find you working. You were also very kind and giving. Every time your grandkids, nieces, or nephews came to visit you, you gave us $20. You also made sure everyone was taken care of, before yourself. Thank you for everything you did for us. We were blessed to have you in our life.

If I had known that August 20th, 2017 would be the last time I saw you, I would have spent more time with you and told you how much you truly mean to me. I'll always cherish our memories together, and I will always remember all of your jokes. I will always miss you. Enjoy heaven, and continue watching over me.

I love you, Aunty.