Beautiful girl in heaven,

As I write this letter, I hope you are swimming among the clouds because I know how much you love to swim. I hope that you have finally found peace because I know you were silently battling and evil none of us knew about. I, along with so many other people whose lives you impacted for the better, miss you so very much. It’s crazy to think that it’s been almost two years. I wish I could have helped you. I wish I had known that you were struggling because I would have dropped everything to help you to bring the sunshine back into your life that you expressed to everyone you met.

I remember the night I first met you. You barely knew me but embraced me in the most loving, inclusive hug. That was who you were; you embraced everyone you came in contact with and made them feel oh so loved. I admired that so much about you.

Your memorial service was beautiful. It came as no surprise to me that it was filled with so many of your peers so willing to share numerous beautiful stories of you and the positive impact you had on their life. You touched so many peoples’ lives for the better, including my own, during your time here on Earth. You brought sunshine into any room you entered. You created such a comfortable atmosphere anytime you walked into a room. Your compassion was contagious and your positive attitude was inspiring. Your compliments gave me so much confidence, and the fact that people have told me that I remind them of you is the greatest honor of them all.

I wish that your time with us could have been longer, but God had other plans for you. You were silently suffering, and it calms my heart knowing that you no longer have to endure that pain. I wish I could have been there for you more, but I know that everything happens for a reason. The important thing is that your memory continues to inspire others. You are still oh so loved by everyone who had the pleasure and fortune of knowing you. You are one of the most beautiful, genuine souls out there, and I pray that you are out there, exploring, spreading the sunshine you so effortlessly brought into all of our lives.

With all my love,

Zo