The following was written the day my Grandma Opal Stilwell passed away in March of 1999.

Grandma,
I know that today we must part.
I don't want you to leave me, but I know you have to.
I don't want to say goodbye, but I know that I must.
From the day I was born you were there to take care of me.
While mom was having to work, you would watch over me,
and protect me and love me as if I was your very own son.
In a way, I guess that's how you looked at me.
I was your baby boy that God had sent to fill the void in your life that J.D.'s death had created.
You took such good care of me.
When Grandpa died so suddenly, I wanted to be strong for you, to help carry you through that darkest period in our families history.
Many people seem to think I was brave and strong and did, in fact, help you make it through the loss of grandpa.
The truth was however, I wasn't able to carry you through that valley, instead, we carried each other.
As the time passed you begin to grow sick and weak, and our roles of years before became reversed, with me taking care of you.
During that time you became more than just my grandma, you became the best friend I have ever had.
Those last years, months, and days that we spent together grandma, were the greatest days of my life.
I've seen the phrase "Grandma's are special" written a number of times on greeting cards or engraved on little keepsakes and ornaments.
That phrase fit you perfectly, you were a very special, wonderful person, who I love very, very much.
I will miss you grandma, but I know how happy you are now in heaven with Grandpa and J.D. and Aunt Izola and Uncle George and the rest of our family.
I remember when I was little, we used to hold the Fields family reunion each summer,
what a great time you must be having right now at the most wonderful family reunion in history!
So today, you will leave me, but I know we won't be apart for long
and today I will say goodbye, but I know it's not forever,
for soon we'll be together again in heaven.
Until then, my cherished memories of you will keep me happy.

Love,
Gregg