Dear Cousins:
Your mother and I overlapped a lot in the family home on Sunnyhills Road in Oakland during Grandpa George's final years. I would see her on my out, or on the way in. I remember how his eyes would light up in her presence. She'd begin, always, with a story about something amazing one of you had done. She respected the power of family.
Mom I miss you and love you. I am thankful for all that you left me in this life, for your trust, your strength and loving support. I take comfort that you are always with me around me as we close this chapter of your life and that your spirit is set free and is with God and with us all, unconfined by your mortal flesh.