Kayleigh is my niece and God daughter. I considered Myka family as I know the Grays considered Kayleigh family. I’ve really struggled to find words adequate to describe these two beautiful souls. I’ve found simply they were too good for this earth.

• They were angels among us.

I can’t describe one without the other. In fact, I find it hard to remember a time when these girls were not a part of one another’s lives. They met because Myka was Kayleigh’s orientation leader when she moved to Perry. Their friendship was formed with giving. The two of them continued to help others. They would help without question. They both attended proms for special needs students, as well as their own. They loved doing that. They loved helping their friends and family but would also help strangers. They didn’t just love it, it was who they were.

• They were angels among us.

The day before they left us, they were in Cleveland for the Cavs watch party. While having their own fun, there was a young girl there trying to catch a t-shirt. Kayleigh and Myka went above and beyond to make sure she got one. I wonder if that little girl knew she was so close to angels.

• They were angels among us.

They served together on the Perry Service Learning program and went on a trip to Chicago to help underprivileged kids.

• They were angels among us.

Their joy wasn’t just for themselves; it was to see the lives around them be made a little easier, a little happier, a little fuller. Kayleigh- the selfless peace-maker. Myka- the kind heart. These 2 selfless souls who made everyone smile ALL the time.

They loved: When they were around, their energy took over the room. They were all about fun. They were all about whoever was standing right in front of them.

I saw a post online that read “I met Kayleigh in my stats class senior year of high school. She was one the only people who was friendly and willing to help me. I’ll never forget how big and genuine her smile was.” And those are the kind of stories we keep hearing about both of these girls.

I believe we will see them again. I believe their souls are here with us today. I believe they were too good to be here. I’m comforted that they are together. I believe they are seeing this celebration of their lives unfold and are comforted to see how loved they are. Together, today, as they were in life. They really were angels among us.