I was 15 when Grandmary passed away. I'd been living with Uncle Gard and Aunt Cornelia for five years in New York City. And while I enjoyed living in the city and loved my aunt and uncle, Mount Beauford had been home. So going back for Grandmary's funeral was bittersweet.

Cornelia stayed home in the city on bed rest due to a difficult pregnancy. Nellie and her sisters also stayed behind. It was just Uncle Gard and I who attended.

We arrived at Grandmary's the day before the funeral to help out with any arrangements that needed to be done. I could see how difficult this was for Uncle Gard. He and Grandmary were as close was any mother and son could be. We didn't talk much that day to each other or the day of the funeral.

The funeral service was very nice, and it was touching that so many came out to pay Grandmary their respects. After the services I quietly went up to my old room. But soon found out it was difficult to be in the house that still had such a presence of Grandmary.

So I went out to the boat house. It had been my get away while living with Grandmary when I needed alone time. A while later I heard footsteps coming close. "I thought I might find you here." Uncle Gard said with a slight smile.

I looked at him. "Hello Uncle Gard." I said shyly.

"I know it's been a tough day, Samantha, but we'll be okay." He smiled.

"I know. I just…" I felt tears start to fall from my eyes. "I just miss her." I managed to get out.

Uncle Gard walked over to me and gave me a hug. "So do I. but she'll always be with us Samantha. She is always in our hearts. And she's so much in you."

"Really?" I asked.

"Really. You are so much like her. She'd be proud of who are becoming. Now let's get on back, we have an early start toward home in the morning."

"We're leaving tomorrow?"

"Yes, I don't want to leave your aunt Cornelia alone too long in her condition." He said.

I nodded. When we got home to the house we had I d super. I didn't eat much as I wasn't hungry.

When everyone retired to bed I snuck into Grandmary's room, I looked around I felt almost as if at any moment Grandmary would catch me. I took a few items that were my favorites of hers and quietly snuck out to the boat house where I kept my other safe keepings. I decided after I got out there I'd much rather sleep there than in the house.