Friday, September 13, 2024
Grandma Mitchell,
I didn't get to know you for a long time; certainly not as long as I would have liked to. Dad and Ronda got married when I was already 19 and I didn't get to see you that much in the time they knew each other before they were wed. And yet, even though I was essentially an adult in my own right, from the very start you were happy to accept me, and my younger siblings, as your grandkids. You may not have been our grandmother by blood, and we may not have even had a full 15 years with you, but you were always such a fantastic grandma. You were kind and generous and you took an interest in what we were up to. I always looked forward to small gatherings on Christmas Eve at your place. I cherished the moments I got to see you, even if it was just for a few minutes on a car ride with you and Ronda. All the little things added up.
I'll always regret not getting to spend more time with you near the end. Katrina and I lived too far away for the last 4 years to get to see you much. Even though we moved back to Canton late last year, we still didn't get to see you as often as we would have liked. I wish I'd known what little time we had left. That's the thing of it, though- you never know how much time you have left with someone. I should have done more for you while I had the chance, given us both time to make more memories together. But I hope you knew that even the small moments were enjoyed, and that you were very, very, loved.
Thank you for all the Christmas cards and for the yummy food and snacks that you used to make for us- not just for holidays but because you loved us enough to think to send things along that we might like. Thank you for every single time you made me smile or laugh. Thank you for all the kindnesses, for all the memories. Thank you for accepting me and my siblings into your family, into you life, with open arms. We're all blessed to have had you as a grandmother and your memory will live on through each of us and through everyone whose life you touched in the time you were here in this world.
I hope that wherever you are, you're happy and healthy. I hope you get to see all the people you loved who left before you did. I hope that you continue to smile and love and grow with all the light and joy you offered while you were here on Earth with us.
I have one of your dreamcatchers, now. It hangs in the living room where I can always see it and think of you. It's a beautiful reminder that even if you're gone, you'll be a part of my life every day for as long as I live.
I love you and miss you so much more than you can know. Thank you, again, for everything you did for me in the time we got to know each other. Thank you for being my grandma.
Love,
Staz
