Dear Mom,

I simply miss you. I wish I understood as a kid that life was precious and something we should not take for granted. It's a lesson I had to learn the hard way, a lesson I learned after you gained your wings.

There are several things I wish I could have the chance to do again like hugging your neck and not pushing it away to not being so stubborn and simply just doing what you asked. But if it all came down to one thing, I wish I could tell you I loved you, That you are so beautiful, worthy, and such a warrior for God.

Time has passed quickly but it doesn't change how surreal it is. I find myself looking at photos of you and hearing stories from others, and it doesn't seem like you are gone. It just feels as if you are in the other room. Although I wish that was the case, it's almost more comforting knowing you are still close to me and the ones you love.

I don't think I'll ever grasp the thought of you being gone but I am so thankful knowing that this isn't the last time I'll see you. That one day, we will be reunited and joined with our loved ones. Oh, what a day.

I learn more and more about you each day. I am able to piece you together and have an idea of who you truly were behind the image I created for yourself. I learned that you loved others so well despite physical, financial, medical, emotional, or spiritual health. You were kind and would offer someone your last dollar not knowing if ends would be met. You were witty and always had something up your sleeve to make everyone laugh, even if it was at you. You were a warrior. You fought battles so many could never even imagine facing. The more you fought, you learned when you got weary, your strength came from the Lord, giving you supernatural strength and peace. Lastly, YOU were LOVED. Many people have showered us with their thoughts and memories of you and they were all filled with how much they adored you. That you were one of a kind and no friend could compare to the friendship you offered them.

Mom,

The only comfort in knowing you're gone is knowing you entered into heaven hearing these words, "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" Matthew 25:21.

Well done, Mom. Well done. I am certain knowing that you completed your journey here and one day, I cannot wait to look down on earth and see the ways you did just that.

I love you.