Today I am sitting in my office thinking about what a month December was. My beloved daughter Mary went home to be with the Lord on Dec. 24.

Mary has been in our family since she was fifteen. She was my deceased son Charles childhood sweetheart and wife. She had such a sweet spirit and was loved by all who knew her. She loved to sing and dance and when you watched her, you knew she was having a good time. Mary knew how to have fun and she tried to make sure that you were having fun too. She could laugh and make you laugh just by looking at her. Her death took us for a loop.

Sitting here at the computer I am still finding it hard to believe that she’s gone. I talked to her a few days ago, we spoke of Christmas shopping and the gift my husband and I sent to her. She said, “I’m glad you called, I didn’t open my gift because I want to wait until Christmas morning,” I said, “that’s alright.” When we hung up we said the usual goodbye and I love you. On Dec. 24 my beautiful and loving daughter was gone.

Mary you will never be forgotten because we’ll keep you alive in our memories. Finally you can rest, no more pains and you are home with Charles. We will always love you and constantly think of you. We thank God everyday for you and the love that you have given.

I considered Mary my daughter, not my daughter-in-law. She was a sister, not sister-in-law to my children. We were blessed that God allowed us to have her for as long as we did.

Jesus even though December was quite a month, I have to give you praises for all things. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” You are gone my love but never forgotten.

Be bless in Jesus’ name.

Mary Simmons is a columnist for The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch. She can be reached at aboxofloveKVD@gmail.com.