Dearest Annabelle,
Your Great Grandmother Esther Anne, whom you are named after, passed away on Halloween night last year. The photo is of you and your Great Grandmother at Coeur d’Alene Idaho when you were a baby. Both of you are with me every day. I can still feel the softness of your hair on my hand and still hear your Great Grandmother’s voice. She was a poor woman by earthly standard but incredibly rich in her heart. She died with the most pure heart that I have ever known, which is an incredible accomplishment.
You sat in her arms that day and both of your hearts touched mine, as we sat under the summer sun, by the lake. The trees rustled in the wind and there was something magical for us in that moment with all of us together, just enjoying the simplicity of sharing a loving moment.
The most amazing thing about your grandmother is that she had a challenging life. Her father was the Vice President of the Anaconda mining company and traveled the world, leaving your Great Grandmother alone with her mother. Her mother died when she was young. Your Great Grandmother was born into a well to do family but ended up losing her wealth as an adult. Life was hard for her in poverty but her kindness to others made many people gravitate towards her.
She passed away surrounded by loved ones, and I count her as one of the richest people whom I have known.
I feel her talk to me some days, just as I feel you speak to me. I feel you call out to me sometimes Annabelle, even though we are separated by a great void.
Reach out to me as soon as you can because no person on this world can stand between us forever. I love you with all of my soul.
Love Your Babba,
Matthew