Dear Mom,

I looked down the pew today in church where you used to sit. Seventh pew down, on the left, all the way to the end. I saw you there, your
blue eyes winked and twinkled at me as you caught my eye. You were singing at the top of your lungs. I love your voice. You had a little smirk on your face, as that look told me a thousand words. Always, those inside thoughts that only you and I understand, no words, just looks, what a gift. I miss that interaction the most now.
You were wearing your long brown skirt, with the brown boots Cassie got you, (I wear them a lot now). You also were wearing that silly, colorful bangle, remember the one we bought you at the dollar store in New Hampshire? I was probably ten when we got it for you, I still remember trying to wrap it up for Christmas with the other kids, we didn't put it in a box, so it was really hard to keep the paper from ripping :).
Your bible, stuffed with cards and old bulletins sat on the pew beside you. I look your way again, wishing I wasn't at the other end of the pew. If I was sitting beside you I know you would have played with my hair throughout the service or rubbed my shoulders. We probably would have passed a few notes.
Remember how us kids would all argue the whole way to church about who got to sit next to you through the service? You would organize it so well, one would get the song service, one the sermon, then Sunday night and prayer meeting on Wednesday. As the oldest I didn't get much time sitting next to you. I hated it when I would have to forfeit my spot to one of the younger kids, because they were acting up. (I think Jacob would be bad on purpose so he could sit next to you and steal my spot) just sayin.
You would always look my way after everybody was situated again and give me that " thanks Jessa" look. It was worth it.

Remember when Cassie spilled her cheerios everywhere as the ushers were passing the offering at "Baker River"? I still remember you trying to pick all the cheerios out of the offering plate as they watched horrified;)
Thank you for taking us all to church. Thank you for being an example of faithfulness. Thank you for introducing me to Jesus. Thank you for your faith and trust in Him even as you lay, on this day last year,December 13th, saying your goodbyes to us.
Well done my faithful Mother. Thank you.