Dearest Mom-Mom,

It is coming up on three years since you have been gone, but that doesn't stop me from thinking about you. The love we share with each other is eternal, and I will value the memories we have for the rest of my life. I know you watch over me every day of my life, and I hope you are proud of the mature young woman I am becoming. The strong and determined personality and outlook on life that you expressed has embedded itself into me. Sometimes I think I smell you in the wind, and I smile because I know you are smiling with me. I feel the need to tell you all about my life, and how far I have come as such a well accomplished young adult, but it would be a waste of time because you are with me through all aspects of my life.

I remember the only way I could cope with your passing was by writing poetry. I sat down that night and wrote one of the most beautiful pieces of poetry I have ever created. The crazy thing is that I don't even remember writing the words on that page. You inspired me to write the most beautiful tribute to one of the most influential people in my life. The strength and courage you had also enabled me to recite this at your funeral. I know you were watching, and I stayed strong you both you and Pop-Pop because I know you would've wanted us all to be smiling. Smiling is a universal symbol for happiness, but your smile in my memory brings warmth and love. I miss your smile, your hugs, your scent, your laugh, your eyes, your stories, and most of all your presence. You will forever live on through this poem, as well as in all of our memories each and every day. I just wanted to make sure you know that I am always thinking about you, and I will forever love and cherish you.

Love Your Favorite Grandchild,

Sydney Rachel

Shirley's Smile

Scientifically speaking,

The sun rises due east,

But I believe it rises due west.

Fluorescent yellow petals yawning to embrace

The sun light through the window.

In the west this flower bore four impeccable

Seedlings, who then bore seedlings of their own.

This flower grew her roots, intertwined them,

And shared her beauty with all who deserved it.

Every piece of nature yearns to be like her, as

Beautiful, as strong, and as sincere.

But as we all know,

The sun does set,

Eventually.

The sun displays an array of sublime colors,

But it is a bitter beauty that all come to fall in love with.

And when the sun sets,

The florescent petals of the angelic flower do too.

The roots stay intertwined,

The love never disappears,

And the beauty is only a gracious memory.

She is gone,

But we remain,

Living proof of the angel once lived.

We have lost an angel,

But heaven has gained one.

And as the sun sets in the west,

Peace overcomes the flower and all who cherish her.