LETTERS: ESSAY IS TRIBUTE TO A GRANDMOTHER

To the editor:

I have recently become the recipient of an essay by a 12-year-old girl that I feel is the most heartwarming and beautiful of any essay I have ever read. The essay was written by Kara Thoma, the daughter of Jean Thoma, who is the director of personal care at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. I would like to share these touching words so that others may receive the same joy as I have.

Grandma

The person whom I admire the most is my Grandma Thoma. She was an easy choice for my essay writing because of all the wonderful things I learned from her about living and now about dying.

First, you must know that my grandmother is in a nursing home now and is not expected to live much longer. Many times in the last couple of weeks I have gone to visit here, which has helped me understand different moments my grandma and I shared.

Over my 12 years of life, I've enjoyed being with my grandma every weekend. Sundays were extra-special times for us as we always went to church together. During the summer months when I was much too young to stay by myself, I spend the weekdays with her. It didn't matter if it was raking leaves, baking or talking, Grandma always had a story to tell plus a point to make.

My grandma is a person of strong will and much character. Many times she would say, "Kara, you have to stand up for whatever you believe in. If you don't, nobody else will." She always spoke what was on her mind and wasn't shy in saying it.

My grandma never had a lot of material things. She never really learned how to drive a car. And the only time she left the state of Missouri was on her wedding day. Having fancy things, money or a big house was something she never had, but what my grandma did have was much love she shared with me and my family.

Tonight as I was writing my essay, my phone rang. It was a call from Dad telling me that Grandma had just passed away. It's going to be hard for the next few days, but I do have my memories and the moments we shared to hold on to for the rest of my life.

I know Grandma is now at rest and is free from all pain and suffering.

PAULA E. KEMPE

Cape Girardeau