Life: An organismic state characterized by capacity for metabolism, growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction.

Death: a permanent cessation of all vital functions.

Those are definitions that come from Merriam-Webster's Dictionary. Life and death is a touchy topic for most people. Some of us fear our own death, some of us fear the death of others... But it's impossible to get through life without experiencing one, if not both, of those. Some cases of death are easier to handle than others.

It's never simple, but letting go is the only option.

So, here's an open letter to my Grandma who decided to let go:

I know holding on was hard. I know you were tired. I know how hard it was in the end. I know 98 years was a long time to push forward, I know.

I knew you were trying your best. I knew that as badly as you wanted to let go, so much of you didn't want to. I knew you felt relieved that you made it to your 98th birthday, I knew.

You didn't tell as many stories in the end, but boy do I remember the last good day we had together. Now that you're gone, I realize things I never said out loud before.

You always told me that I was just like you, and until today I didn't understand. You always told me that you hope I make it as a teacher, because it was the dream you could never pursue. You told me that growing up, you always had a book with you. That's something I'm getting back into. You always said you were the tomboy growing up - you preferred to play with the boys. You would say this as you looked into the eyes of a young athlete. Those were the things I realized while you were here.

What I see in myself even more, now, is the determination and individualism you had. You were in this great world for 98 years. The things your brave soul endured, let me know that I too, can survive anything life throws my way. After years of joy, sorrow, laughter and love, I knew when how tired you were when you decided to let go.

What I wish I could tell you now, is that it's okay that you let go. In fact, it is more than okay. You told us you were tired, and that was something I could tell from afar. Now, you don't have to be tired, and there is nothing more I could ask for.

My last words to you were

"I'll see you, soon."

And they are exactly right.

With more love than I can give,

Your Great-Granddaughter