June 27, 2024

Dearest Great Aunt Dinah,

How I shall miss you, though even so you & I were not as close, as I was with my late Great Grandma Ruth, your little sister. There was still something about you that I cherished that connected, based on her. Impartial to Grandma Ruth, you were a woman of integrity, just like her, you had a smile that could light up the world. Furthermore, fair-minded to Grandma Ruth, you were always happy & excited whenever you spotted your kids, grandkids, and niblings of all ages. You were especially thrilled to see me, whenever I was showing up occasionally, to New Bethel Baptist Church for church services.

Surplus, beyond a doubt you were proud of the times I had helped, at our church for the community involving the children. It was much more fun learning about God and the bible when I could move around and be productive in the matter. I will also never forget when you were proud and ecstatic for the tributing poem I had written and read aloud in memorial honor to your sister Ruth Bell (My Grandma Ruth). You loved the poem so much, that you had begged me to make a copy for you to have as a keepsake. Believe me, I had great intentions on granting your request, yet alas things had begun to get busy by that time. I was a year and a half away from graduating high school, not to mention despite bidding my farewells to Grandma Ruth, moving on without her was not at all easy.

Even today, after it has been ten ½ years, without my devoted Great Nana, the pain still remains inside. It is only because of God & my faithfulness, that He helped me gain through you, Grandma Ruth & even viable Grandma Cookie (Virginia) that I am bearing with this silent suffering, as I continue to move on in life. Thus, throughout our times together, you were well-nigh as the duchess of our church, New Bethel Baptist. Linked to your late husband & living son being the pastors & reverends of our prime house of prayer. You and many others of New Bethel (family or not) inspired me to be proud of who I am, and to love myself as much as the Lord has loved me. Loved me, enough to create me and save me from my sins and temptations of the world.

Finally, I say with a heavier heart, but strong serenity, not goodbye, but catch you later Aunt Dinah. In conclusion, how I thank the Lord for allowing you to be with us on the face of the earth for 100 yrs. What’s more, how my heart soars with happiness knowing that you are no longer suffering, you were blessed to take your final breath in peace, and you are finally reunited with your sister, plus many others you were most likely mourning, too.

See you soon, Aunt Dinah. Good-byes are not forever.
Sincerely,
Your great niece, Simone.