They were loved and will be missed

"In life you’ll realize that there is a purpose for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you and some will teach you. But most importantly, some will bring out the best in you."

A friend of mine posted this the other day and I loved it. I don't remember who it is a quote from but it seems fitting for me and the people I have had the pleasure of getting to know in my life thus far. I have known many great and wonderful people and it gives me hope that my children will have the same great experiences with the people that end up influencing their lives. I believe that even the people that seem to have a hard exterior can be really soft on the inside and those that can make you feel inferior are most often those who are insecure and need a little extra love. Those that test you, may always test you and will be an opportunity for you to overcome weakness and find Strength where you never thought. I don't know if that made any sense but I have had great teachers, first loves, boyfriends, friends, family, cousins, aunts and uncles, random acquaintances and sometimes even complete strangers that have touched my life in some way and I'm grateful for all of them and the ways in which they had an impact on my life whether great or small. 

With this said, I want to touch more on a couple of women who have played a special part in my life. Bigger than an acquaintance for sure; these women had a lasting impact. They were family. These women were not women to test but women who could show the world they had been tested and still had a Light that shined for all to see. And even if it was just for a short while I knew them and loved them, they will remain a part of my eternal existence. For this life is but a small moment in time and eternity is what we have to look forward to. They have passed from this earthly place and are in a Heavenly home I can only hope I can return to someday. 

My Aunt Luana was a funny, petite, beautiful lady that will be missed by many. Her charm and humor would make any smile. She was a sweet, loving, strong and cherished woman and I know she has found herself in good hands now. She is a wonderful daughter of God and I am happy to have known her and will forever be inspired by her strength and wisdom. 

I wish I had a picture of my Aunt Luana

Grandma Shirley is a wonderfully special woman with optimism I have never seen in one being. She has Compassion that expands far beyond the veil of this life. She has always been the perfect example of truth, loyalty, love, and happiness. She's a beautiful daughter of God and I know she is in a happier place and can only think of the long awaited reunion she had with the Love of her life when she got there. I am and will forever be grateful for the love and compassion she showed me and for the short time in this life that I was able to see and be inspired by her True beauty.

(Picture posted by Brittany Snodgress)
Grandma Shirley Age 17

Died at the Age of 90