To My Dearest Aunt Shell, my beloved Godmother. How do I put into words, all the ways you have touched my life? As a child, you turned every visit to my home into a party. I remember begging my mother to let me stay up until you arrived...and when I couldn't wait any longer, begging her to wake me up when you got there. I remember so many trips to Seaside Heights and Wildwood. You made every trip feel like the adventure of a lifetime. Growing up I learned that you were the one person I could count on for absolute honesty. I could tell you anything because nothing ever shocked you, you had already seen it or done it all! I could ask for your opinion and I knew I was getting the truth. You always made me feel like I was so special, always adding "Goddaughter" to the cards you would give me at birthdays and Christmas. You were there for me for all the important moments of my life. You came to see me in my cheerleading uniform, you visited colleges with me, you came to see me off to prom. You always gave me your blessing to pursue whatever I felt passionate about at the moment. You always loved hearing about everything I ever did. You came to my wedding and eventually held both of my children. When I told you I was sick, you cried and said, "Not my baby. I couldn't stand to have something happen to my baby." Thank you for being such a special person in my life. I read once that the only pain we feel after we die is the love we held back while on earth. Aunt Shell, I know you are no longer in pain. You loved us all with all your heart and you showed it in so, so many ways. You are free to fly and soar over the ocean, to see your mother's face again, to be with God. It's your turn now, to sit up in Heaven and wait for all of us to arrive. If you get tired, just ask Grammy to wake you up when we get there. All my love, forever and ever, Your Goddaughter, Kelly