Maili Writing: "Love is Stronger Than Death"

"Love is stronger than death even though it can't stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can't separate people from love. It can't take away our memories either. In the end, love is stronger than death."

Today is Jeanette's birthday. She would have been 15. I remember it felt like such a victory when she made it to her 14th birthday. We didn't know she would be gone a few months laster. Last Thursday was Joele's birthday. She would have been 5.

Then on Saturday, August 3rd, my Great-Aunt Joanne Darling Hattan, passed away. How grateful we are that we drove down to see her before she died to have on last laugh and great conversation about food. She had this Plumeria tree that was her passion. She moved it from house to house. When she died the tree was in full bloom. Her grandson, Daschle, made sure to get Grandma's flowers from her tree to bring with him. We all miss her.

Some of these other pictures I keep on the desktop of my computer. Ashley's mom and dad holding hands just before her father passed away. Ninette in bed with her mother. Ninette's mom and aunt who were as close as my sister and I are. I hope my sister and I will grow old together like this! Vincent playing guitar with his father for the last time. Debi Stull's sweet dad. He was always there with a smile to help. I remember him saying "I'm working on my 'Honey-Do' list." Kind Marvin Goodman who died too soon.

There are so many people we love and miss. Far more than fit this page. I tried to include the people who died last year. I wish I had a picture of Jim Sharp but I don't. He is also in our hearts. And whenever I think of Jeanette I think of Anna Brady too. Her picture is always in my mind.