I prayed for Alice this morning that she may be happy and at peace. I prayed also for you, her family, as you go through this time of transition and morn the loss of your mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. Alice was a lovely woman...warm, caring, kind, positive in outlook, and very, very friendly. Whenever our paths crossed over the years she would always greet me with a big smile and take the time to ask how I was doing. After we would part, I would always feel good inside and happy that we had bumped into each other. I am now 59 years old, but I have known Alice since I was a very little girl; we were next door neighbours. This morning I found myself smiling to myself as an image popped up in my mind of me as a little girl, standing in Alice's backyard with Marie and the other kids. We were all munching on fruit flavoured ice cubes that Alice had made for us all. As I munched away, I remember thinking that it was so cool that she would do that for us kids. What a wonderful memory. It is a gift to have known her. In closing, there is a prayer that I say every Christmas morning before I start my day for those who have touched me in this life and who are no longer with us: my dad, my late grandparents, uncles, aunts, and all those who I have loved and cared about. They are a part of me forever as Alice will always be a part of you and all of us who have been touched by her. I offer it now to Alice. May you be at peace. May you be at rest. May you be happy. May you be free.
