Happy Birthday, Granny

Dear Granny,

Today you are celebrating your 80^th birthday in Heaven, and we are selfishly shedding tears on earth wishing that you could be here to celebrate with us instead.

So many wonderful things have happened since you went to Heaven…John and Mary Alice got engaged! Mary Kathryn and Conner got married! Matt and I became Eucharistic ministers at church! I silently tell you these things as they occur, and I know that you are smiling down on us as you watch them take place.

It makes me sad that I never got the chance to tell you about our trip to the World Cup…that I never got to show you pictures of me all dolled up as a bridesmaid in Marion’s wedding…that I instinctively grabbed the phone to dial your number and tell you about all of my St. Agnes friends who recently got engaged and who knew and loved you just as much as you loved them.

We made it through the first Thanksgiving without you, and it was not easy. Christmas is coming up in just a few weeks, and we know that it won’t be easy either. Please do not worry though! You created a strong and loving family who will continue to support each other and look after Paw Paw for you.

It is only fitting that your birthday happens to fall on "Giving Tuesday"…Did you know that we established a scholarship at St. Agnes in your memory?! The Mary Donahue Jorgensen Scholarship Endowment Fund will provide short-term financial assistance to a current student whose ability to continue her education at St. Agnes is jeopardized due to financial hardship caused by the sudden death of a parent or guardian. Just as you were able to continue your Catholic education after the death of your father at the age of 14, your memory will now afford future St. Agnes girls this same opportunity.

I will conclude this letter with a video of your speech from the St. Agnes Academy Hall of Fame Inductions held this past February. Your speech was the perfect mix of reverence, gratitude, joy, reflection, and humor, just like you. This occasion was truly special, as it was the last time that all of your children were in Memphis before your death. We celebrated your numerous accomplishments and the WONDERFUL example that you set for all of us!

Not a day goes by that I do not think about you and miss you terribly, but I am comforted by many wonderful memories and the peace in knowing that I will see you again one day. 

I love you,

Molly