. >> my name's anna kate, and i'm 9 years ode.'m in fourth grade. >> reporter: anna kate once had an aunt named toni they lived a few states apart but were never more than a phone call or a letter away. >> dear aunt toni, how are you i have no homework we finished "little pear" eight days till christmas. i'm so excited i love you anna kate. >> reporter: she still writes her letters even though toni can no longer respond. >> dear aunt toni, are you enjoying it in heaven? i miss you very much i read a book about heaven it must be great love, your niece, anna kate. >> reporter: anna kate was 7 when her aunt died it was sudden, scary and heartbreaking. so she took out an old shoe box, decorated it and filled it with thoughts of aunt toni. >> now she's dead. now we can't see her again and our lives will never be the same again >> reporter: the ripple effect of toni's death was huge she was a respected doctor, an ophthalmologist who had a thriving practice first in jackson, mississippi, and later in denver, colorado. a devout christian