Hey Y’all,

Today December 7th marks the 7th anniversary of my mom’s transition. It’s 1:59 AM as I’m typing this. I’m supposed to be asleep but my mind is racing so I decided to write a note to my mom recaping the past 7 years without her. This is for me but sharing with you.

Dear Mommy,
It’s been 7 years. 84 Months, 364 Weeks. 2555 Days. 61320 Hours, since I’ve heard you say “Hey Dee”. Growing up one of my biggest fears was losing you. I always thought that when it was your time to leave this earthly realm I would surely not be able to live. I was confident that when you took your last breath, so would I. Alas that was not the case. Here I am 7 years later and I’m still breathing, still living and not just existing but doing my best to achive all my goals to continue to make you proud. This note is a little recap of life since you’ve been gone. Transparently I have had some really LOW days. Days when I thought laying in the bed with my head covered would change my reality. Thankfully I keep getting up and trying again.

Over the past 7 years I’ve lost a few jobs, gained a lot of weight, loc’ed my hair, moved, bought a car, turned 50, and most recently officially started a business! You remember my crochet business named after Leah, well it’s officially an LLC and I couldn’t be prouder of myself. When I hit submit on the documents you were the first person I wanted to call. It’s still hard not being able to share my accomplishments with you.

Your grandchildren are AMAZING! Erick graduated, Leah and Myles are headed to college! Franklin is fulfilling all his dreams and headed in the direction that was spoken to him during Tuesday prayers at St. Paul. You have 4 brand new grandbabies that I know you would be completely in love with, giving you a total of 22 grands! All of your children are back in contact thanks to the plug Nicole 🙂 she’s doing everything you said she’d do! I know you would be so proud.

Next year you would have turned 80 yrs old and in my mind, we would have planned a beautiful gala for you. Instead, we’ll figure out something fun to do with the twins as they turn 18.

Mommy to say I miss you is an understatement. I miss your sound counsel, I miss your smile, I miss your prayer, I miss your encouragement, I miss your fragrance in the earth. You were one of one. Nobody can ever replace you. No one else has the ability to soothe the way you did. You were the epitome of a woman of God. No title needed, even in sickness you were a faithful believer. You are my inspiration. I endeavor to be half the woman you were, a quarter of the mother you were.

I look forward to all that God has in store for me and will continue to push forward knowing that you prayed for me and knew that I would be able to achieve everything I put my mind to.

Love you always,
Dee