It's been four years and I still miss Grandma LaPreal terribly and every single day, especially at this time of the year. When emailing back and forth today with my sweet grandpa (her widower), he said the following which I thought was so sweet:

The pain of LaPreal's absence never leaves me either, but neither does the surity of living with her eternally ever leave either.

A reason I love you Jamie, is your being so much like her.

I look ahead to to your holiday visit very much .

I love you,

Grandpa

I thought his reminder of eternal life was so sweet, especially at this time of the year and that is the best compliment anyone could ever give me.   I'm far from the incredible person my grandma was, but I'll try every day to be more like her.  She was the most Christ-like person I know.