Tara Goodall
My Dearest Mimi,
I just wanted to let you know how much I'm missing you right now. I feel guilty for being so selfish because I wish you were still here with us. It's just difficult to imagine my life without you in it. But deep inside my soul, I know that you are still with me and that alone brings me much comfort and peace. Memories of you flood my mind and with each one I thank God for allowing me to be a part of your life during this journey here on earth. Fond memories include remembering how you would eat dinner sitting on Granny's doorstep, sunbathing on the patio in your two piece, going to work with you at the theater (which I thought was totally awesome), cookouts and homemade ice cream, Friday car rides to get your hair done and then off to Kentucky for fruits and vegetables, breakfast at Hardee's (gravy and biscuit with a pack of jelly, please), overnight stays with you either at home or in the hospital, dinner dates with you and Bill to the Peddler or Fifth Quarter. I've watched you experience your fair share of sorrow and grief, laughter and happiness, life at its fullest. You've always been grateful for anything you have.....you never took life for granted. You had the amazing courage and determination to raise your three children as a single parent. And as we know, you had a huge part with the raising of me. In fact, I learned my first cuss words from you! I guess I just want to say "thank you, Mimi"... thank you for teaching and showing me how to love and respect, how to stand my ground and to know when to back down, and to believe in myself that I can accomplish anything. You were a fighter and one of the strongest women that I will ever have the privilege of knowing. I've known for awhile that this time was coming and being able to spend those precious few hours with you are priceless. You shared with me things that I will forever hold in my heart and never forget. Your love for me is truly amazing and you should be extra proud for raising a daughter who has been the most beautiful and amazing mother and friend to me. I see so much of you in her and it always makes me smile. For the rest of my time here on earth, I will continue to admire and love you. Knowing you are free from pain, sickness, and all worries brings only gratefulness to my soul and without a doubt I know that when you saw Granny welcoming you home, you knew it was well worth the wait. I love you more than you will ever know, my dear, sweet Mimi. May you finally rest in peace and know that your "Missy" will be looking forward to the day when we'll be together again.
Love,
Tara