A Rose by any other name would smell as sweet…

She had many names. Rose, Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Aunt, Sister, Daughter, Wife. But no matter what we called her, she symbolized the same thing to all of us – Love.

In a room filled with people who love her, every person speaks of how much she meant to them. They mention stories of the past, trickled with laughter. They speak of what they feel now, sodden with tears. Eyes strain as memories swim. Hearts break remembering her love.

From the day I met her, she did more than make me feel like I was part of the family. She made me part of the family. We’d talk for hours, and I loved how her eyes would light up depending on what we conversed about.

But what I’ll remember most about her was how she made me feel. She always gave me the sense that I was doing good. That I was doing right… By her, by the family. Because every time I was with her, she would look at me. She would look right into my eyes without saying anything for a while, and then she would say, “I am so happy he’s with you.”

It made my heart want to cry each time she said it.

She said she could see how happy I make her grandson, and how happy she was to see him that way. She constantly spoke of how proud she was of him and of our life together. I could always see the genuine admiration in her eyes, and I became elated that she welcomed me this way.

She made me feel special. And I know that I am not the only one affected in this way by her. She made us all feel special. She nurtured us, supported us, mothered us, loved us.

And I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say… I am truly blessed to have been loved by her.

We miss you dearly, Grandma Rose. Though you weren’t able to meet your great-granddaughter, she will get to know you through all of us. We will show her the same love you showered on us, and you will never be forgotten. We love you.

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