To anyone who has lost a mother, a father, a grandma, a grandpa, a sibling, a friend -- heaven has gained our angels. Each of us remember the date that they passed away; it floods our minds with what we had with them. Anger rises at the thought of why they had to leave us, why the best people get taken from us -- sometimes without warning -- which later leads to tears that bring us back. We just sit and reminisce and think to ourselves: what would it be like if that person was still here? Why did they have to leave? We'd do anything to get them back -- literally anything.

Dear Grandma Violet,

Heaven couldn't wait for you, could it? You weren't done teaching me all your recipes, you didn't see me drive my first car, graduate high school, attend my first day of college, or receive my first college A. No, you weren't there when I needed you or wanted you. You were supposed to see me grow, you were supposed to be there. I guess God had a different plan.

I don't know why you left me when you did, and after four years I still think about you every day. Every small thing that reminds me of you brings me happiness because you gave me the best memories a grandchild could have from their grandma. Remembering you is an honor, it truly is.

I want to thank you for the things you taught me and the love you gave me. Thank you for being the best secret keeper, thank you for getting me out of groundings, and thank you for being you, Grandma Violet.

Your laugh, your smile and your humor is a long lasting image that will stay in my heart and mind forever. You will forever be my best friend and even though you were taken from me too soon I hope you're watching from up there.

I hope I have made you proud, I hope you watch over me and I hope to meet you up there one day -- not soon though because, you know, I have to do big things down here.

Forever and always.

Your angel,

Dana Marie

Honor the ones that you have lost every day. Think about them and never stop loving them. Just because they're not physically here doesn't mean they're not with us. No matter which way that person was in your life, the point is, they had some impact, and whether or not you realize it, that impact is what makes you who you are. It makes you stronger not only for yourself, but for the ones who struggle with obtaining that strength. Be strong and be happy because I know that's what the ones who have left us would want.