in our hearts you'll always be.

{playing hoosker-do circa 1994(?) at gma & gpa allen's.}

dearest gma allen,
a year has passed since we lost you, but you have remained firmly in our hearts.
we feel you with us, gently encouraging us when we are discouraged, filling us with happiness when we feel sad, and forever loving us, as we love you.

we miss you grandma, but you are always in our hearts. always.
& one day, grandma, we'll be with you, again.
...playing games, eating gardettos & drinking fresca, together in heaven.
& how sweet it will be.

i love you so much,
always, & forever.
your Annie.

a letter addressed to Heaven.:

{me, gma allen & geoff.}

dearest gma allen,
summer has come to pass quite fast this year. its not the same without you here. nothing is the same. i have only swam once this year--i know! i used to be a fish--so much has changed.
we miss you. i miss you everyday. i always look at precious photos of us & i smile, remembering each moment vividly. if i close my eyes tight enough, & block out the world around me i can still hear the laughter echoing through your house, i can still smell the perfume on your sweater as i hugged you. you are missed, but you will never be forgotten. never.

i miss you, grandma. how i long to rewind time & push pause. wouldn't that be something? i would want to relive so many moments...but i can't--i can only cherish the memories you have left us with, & be thankful for having had you in my life. our lives. i am so blessed. we are so blessed for having you.

i know you watch upon us, laughing right along in our happy moments, & patting us softly on the back when we have been defeated. i know you are cheering for us in our successes, and i know you are helping us every step of the way... thank you, grandma.

i miss you so much. know that i love you, & that you are always in my heart. Always.

i love you grandma, i always have & i always will.

Love always & forever.
Anna Banana.