BRAVO, Elizabeth

To my dearest, Nana Beth,

Through unfathomable tragedy you showed us immeasurable strength, resilience and love. It is a gift that we and others will carry and pass on as best we can. My sister and I are able to live our lives as better people directly as a result of your kindness, sacrifice, patience and unwavering love. If it were possible, the repayment of that debt would last beyond our age - your sacrifice for us will never be forgotten.

The pain that you spared us then through your determination, purpose and love for your family makes our mourning as beneficiaries so much the heavier. It is, by any measure, considerable.

To me it seems without end; one is left not just without a guiding light, but a sun. We are left to be reacquainted with an all too familiar sense of dread as we contemplate the void that is life in the absence of you.

We have lost so much in your sudden passing. You and I had so much more to do, to say, to speak and about which to laugh and ponder. Your passing makes those days in May that were so long ago seem much closer to our hearts now than we would dare dread. You placed yourself above that and between the little people - for our good. For that, and everything else, I can only write that I love you, Nan - thank you. I love you with all my heart, and I will miss you deeply.

We will laugh again together one day.

“Promise me you'll never forget me because if I thought you would, I'd never leave.”

"Forever is too good to be true."

Sleep well, Nan - love you.

Benjamin, Haruka, Ema, Masaki.