"Hugs in heaven," Anna-Mariah Brainard

Hi Nicky!

This is Anna-Mariah. I am inspired by your project.

I, of course hardly remember your mom I think I was 10 when she passed.

I remember her strong kind spirit though. I remember when my dad passed the both of you came over to my house to visit with me because my mom was at work, I remember eating ice cream. Can't remember if you brought it to me or if we went & got it together. But I do remember, feeling her concern & love for me. It was so nice to have another mother figure looking after me.

From a very young age I was taught that this life isn't the end for us. I've known since I was very young that we can live together in the here after I held onto that knowledge throughout my life because I was 7 when my dad passed, I knew then & know now that I have the opportunity to see him again.

Before Dorothy passed I remember my mom trying to explain to me that she was sick & that we were going to go over to her house to say good-bye. I wanted so badly to ask Dorothy to say hello to my dad for me. I wanted her to give him a hug for me. I knew she was going to see him. I didn't have the courage to ask her. I was so nervous to go to the house. Because as a child you really don't now what to expect. You don't know how to act. I remember walking into the house, saw the hospital bed in the dining room & I remember how she looked. I remember seeing someone who wasn't scared. I remember seeing someone brave & strong. When I walked to her bedside I didn't feel scared. I wanted to speak, but couldn't. I think she held my hand. She immediately said to me: "Do you want me to say hello to your dad?" I nodded my head yes. She looked right into me & said: "I'll give him a big hug for you, okay?" I was so relieved, & I was so happy. I went out to the backyard & played for the remainder of our visit. I felt good knowing that my dad would have a good friend like Dorothy to be with him.

I honestly don't remember much. Hardly remember the details. I can recall the presence she had though. She was a good woman I know that.

My Mom & Patti have always spoken so kindly of her. I have grown to learn that whenever I see a DIP sign I know that it means:

DOROTHY IS PRETTY.

Thank you for doing this Nick. Maybe, I'll have to follow your lead & do the same kind of thing for my dad. It's sad to realize how quickly we forget. I hope you & your family are well. I think of you guys often. I'm looking forward to read other peoples stories of her. I know there will be some good ones! Do you have a facebook?! If not, you need one!

With lots of love, Anna