My grandmother was a beautiful woman. She was so full of life. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm no doubt was appreciated by many.

Born Virginia Alice Balyeat (pronounced Balyay), came into this world on November 3, 1925. I wish that I had pictures to show you how beautiful she was. She looked like an angel. There are very few things I remember that she did. I do remember, that she loved to bowl! She had all kinds of pins from around the country. I used to look through them to see where she had been. It was with much sadness that I had to see her health decline.

I can't even remember how old I was. All I remember was I couldn't understand what cancer was all about. I don't even remember what kind she had. All I knew was that some days, she was good, and others....well she couldn't even remember who any of us were. I couldn't be around her. I wanted to remember her as she used to be. Like the pictures that I always looked at, when she was young and vibrant. It was such a hard time for all of us. Even for me, as I grew to understand exactly what had happened to her.

On December 29, 1985, Virginia Alice Balyeat passed away. My beautiful angel of a grandmother was gone from this Earth. All I had left were memories of her. But as time went on, even they were taken from me. Now all I can remember is what is in the pictures. Of how beautiful she was, and how much I miss her.

Why should I grieve for her loss still? That is how I am. I have comfort though, as I know she is in a far better place than I am right at this moment. I always hoped that my grandmother was my guardian angel, and that somehow, some way, she was always watching over my shoulder. One day, I will see her again. I'm positive that I will. And when I do, I want to hear all about what she's done, and stare at her youthful beauty... as I still remember her to this day.