Dear Guillory Family

I am so sorry for your loss. I have never met Mathilda but I came across Mathilda obituary in looking at a friend of ours. And I felt moved to share with you a message that has helped me in such a sad and difficult time. Death is the oldest enemy for mankind and it takes our most beloved ones away from us. I have found comfort in knowing that soon Jehovah our God will rid us of death. 1 Corinthians 15:26 says And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing. Ridding us of death will be such an exceptional blessing, but God will not stop there. Acts 24:15 talks about a beautiful hope that will bring many of us joy. A hope that many of us can find joy in…the resurrection. We will get to hold our loved ones again. God promises it. I hope that in such a difficult you can find comfort and strength to endure till the day we can see our loved ones again!

You never take pics but I got you good nana :) — with Mathilda, Charles and Jazmyn

Nana, to say that I was shocked would be an understatement. The whole world stopped and the noise went quiet. To have lost you so suddenly hurts more than words can ever explain. I was looking forward to juicing with you this fall, and sitting outside for a little talking about our ranch days. I never did get to ask you if you had a favorite horse. I do know that you loved us as much as we loved you and for that I am grateful. I’m so happy that the boys were able to spend the time they did with you. Aiden loved building your “terrarium”, and coming in to your room to sit with you. I loved coming into your room and sitting with you and talking about life and goals and memories. Reality still hasn’t hit me, and as I’m writing this I’m still trying to avoid it. I know it will soon and all I can do with that is pray that you are running freely, happily and peacefully wherever your heart desires. You were such a phenomenal, strong, patient, kind, forgiving, wonderful woman. That doesn’t even cover an eight of what you were but it’s a start. We love you Nana. Thank you for creating such a beautiful legacy and welcoming me into it.

Oh Nana. I’ve never been the best at goodbye but this has been by far the hardest. My heart is broken into a million pieces. I don’t know what life looks like without our morning phone call every day talking about nothing and bickering about everything. But I know you’ve left me with the tools to figure it out, so rather than dwell on the tremendous loss I feel, I’ll instead reflect and say thank you. Thank you for Sunday subway park dates and lifetime marathon movie weekends. Thank you for letting us experiment in your kitchen whenever the urge moved us. Thank you for the biscuits and juice we could always stop by for on our way to school. Thank you for riding in the car while I got my driving hours in. Thank you for taking my call as I walked from class to class in college. 

Thank you for sharing your stories with me. Thank you for supporting and encouraging my dreams. Thank you for making sure I know and have always known my worth. Thank you for instilling strength and independence as core values. They have served me so well.

Thank you for loving me fiercely. I hope you know I love you the same. Rest easy Nana Banana. Until we meet again. 

Beautiful pictures and description of Aunt Mathilda. My heart goes out to you Elaine, Edward and all of your family. I pray the Holy Spirit comfort and hold all of you with love. The tears continue to flow because she is my Nanny whom I love. Just as Aunt Doris is, Aunt Mathilda is a Matriarch for the family and now resides peacefully in Heaven with our Savior and family there. I'm sorry for your loss.- Alisa