Letter to Gabrielle

Dear Gabrielle,

It has been many years since the first time I saw your smile. You were only seven or eight years old at the time.

You captured my heart that very day with your smile, your bright eyes, and loving nature.

What are some other memories we have shared and created through the years? Some of them are wonderful; some not so good; and some are really really hurtful and horrible.

But even the bad ones we weathered together and they helped form you into the young lady mature beyond her years, strong and steadfast, and compassionate toward others who travel a rough road.

I relish the days we spent at the Nashville Zoo. You and Maryssa enjoyed the play areas as much as the animals. Do you remember the day we flew kites there in an open field? The sound of your laughter will remain with me for all of my life.

Our times spent at McDonald's were nice, but I always enjoyed when we went to Mr. Gotti's for pizza. You girls had so much fun in the game room.

I loved it when you guys would come to Mississippi to visit. The trip when Jason came with you was especially fun. You guys loved exploring the countryside, fishing, and wading in the creeks here. I don't remember which trip it was on that we went to the Choctaw Indian Fair, but it was great seeing all of you relax a little from the hurt your Dad was putting you through then.

The days I could visit you in Tennessee were always so good for me. I could just chill with all of you. We didn't always have to spend money we didn't have to have fun. Just sitting around the kitchen table, talking and laughing was great. I treasure the individual talks and time we spend together.

I know those days were hard on you, Maryssa, and your mom. Sometimes anger would overflow. Sometimes you felt you were in a deep, dark hole surrounded by depression and fear.

I don't want to sugar coat those hard times. Those days of hurt and anger caused by your Dad's actions happened and continue to happen. The fear and emptiness was and is real. Learning how to cope with those things have made you a better person today. That is a gift.

Because of not having as much as many of your classmates you learned to appreciate the things and people around you. That is an asset you will have for all your life. You have earned tools many never achieve.

Because of the circumstances your Dad put the family in, you lost the house you'd lived in all your life.
That was a traumatic thing to happen to a kid. Again, because of that you learned a home is not made of wood and brick. It is carried within your heart and shared with loved ones.

Because you had to take on great responsibilities in caring for Adrian and the house, you missed many childhood days of play. Through that experience you are aware of what it takes in time, effort and devotion to care for a home, a child and a family. You will be a GREAT mother someday.

While you and Maryssa have had some jim-dandy arguments and fights, you have weathered the storms and love one another as sisters should.

I treasure every single phone call we've ever had. I am old enough to be your grandmother, yet you still loved me enough to trust me with secrets and ask my advise.

Words will never express how much I love you and how important every visit, phone call, pictures you drew for me, little gifts, and memories mean.

One of the greatest blessings God has given me has been you and the love you've given me in sharing your life with me each step of the way.

I am so proud of your accomplishments in archery, writing, music, and school. Some have been a struggle, but you kept trying, never gave up, and persevered.

And I cannot believe you are ready to go to college now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I only have one piece of advice to offer you. Put God first in your life. Trust Him for everything. Know when you don't get what you want God can see the big picture and He has something better in store for you.

Allow Jesus to be your example of how to live your life and pray daily for the Holy Spirit to dwell within you.

Graduation Day is a day to mark a tremendous accomplishment. You did not come to this day without a lot of hard work. There may have been days when you felt that you could not continue, and yet you did. The moment when you are called up to the stage to receive your diploma, resplendent in your cap and gown, is a moment to savor. You can not lose what has now been given to you. Your high school diploma is an achievement that will be yours forever. Now go on and take on the world!

I will always be here for you,

All my love,

Aunt Sandy