Dear Mrs. Gillett,

How has it been 12 years? I can still recall the day you passed away, as though it were yesterday. Can still feel the flannel on the blue cloud pajamas that Stephanie was wearing as she threw her arms around my neck.  Still shiver from the cold air in that Lake Braddock hallway. Can still smell her herbal essences shampoo as she buried her face in my shoulder. Can still feel the emptiness in my stomach, and the hurt in my heart, from watching my friend's world crumble.

They say time heals all wounds. For the most part, I believe that to be true. But scars never fade. And, oh how they miss you.

I know you can see your girls -- you must be bursting with pride! How beautiful they have turned out. How successful and driven and loving.

Melissa is so talented. Building her own business and thriving with success. She is such a wonderful mommy to Miles. You must feel such a sense of pride knowing what an influence your own mothering had on her's. She and Hayden are such incredible parents. And sweet Miles...Oh how you would've loved to squeeze him. I bet you spend hours every day just staring at him. Listening as he finds his voice in the world. Taking in his sweet innocence and breathing in those toddler smells.

Stephanie is so strong -- loyal to friends and family; completely true to herself. You must be so proud of her independence. Taking care of herself - keeping her future in focus. Traits I'm sure she picked up from you...learning how to keep that beautiful smile on her face, even when it hurts inside. But oh how focused she is! Taking in each day and making the most of it. Living without regrets. She is such a perfect Aunt to Miles...and it easily reflects what a wonderful mommy she will be to her own children one day.

Your cup must runneth over as you watch the relationship that continues to build between your girls every day. A love between sisters that is rare, deep, pure, and envied by all. They keep your heritage alive. They honor you every day. But oh how they miss you. A longing to see you again that only they can truly understand. Only they can truly feel. But all of us that love them -- that love you -- know how much they miss you.

As I was driving home from work last week, I witnessed the most beautiful pink sunset I have ever seen. And as I pulled to a stoplight, the airplane paths through the clouds displayed the shape of a ribbon. Against the pink sunset, it was a perfect breast cancer ribbon.  An instant feeling of peace and calm settled around me as I confidently stated out loud - with nobody else around to hear but you - "Hi Mrs. Gillett!"

The picture doesn't do it justice - but it was so beautiful.

Thank you for making your presence known.  For continuing to remind all of us to take time to enjoy God's simple gifts.  We remember your legacy, today and every day, and we thank you for the two beautiful gifts you gave this world: your daughters. Thank you for keeping your presence in their lives. When they're least expecting it, you're there. They will continue to need you for as long as they both are living...and even beyond that, when they see you again in Heaven. Please continue to watch over them as you already do so well. You are missed. You are loved. You are never forgotten.