Tamera Mowry's Touching Tribute to Late Niece Alaina on Her Birthday

On what would have been her late niece's 19th birthday, Tamera Mowry reveals how much she still misses her and how she feels "a sense of calmness" whenever she's reminded of her.

If not for the Thousand Oaks mass shooting last November, Tamera Mowry’s niece, Alaina Housley would have turned 19 this month. Still overcome with grief, Tamera made sure to mark Alaina’s birthday with a special tribute.

THE TRAGIC DAY THAT CLAIMED ALAINA'S LIFE

More than a dozen were killed on that tragic day. It was the evening of November 8. Students from nearby Pepperdine University in Malibu were having a fun college night out at the Borderline Bar when a lone gunman opened fire at them. Alaina was one of the unfortunate who took a bullet and died.

Tamera and her husband, Adam Housley’s family were in disbelief after hearing the tragic news. Days passed but the grief lived on. After Alaina’s funeral, Tamera shared a quote about grief on her social media.

“Grief never ends … but it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith …. It is the price of love.”

COPING WITH GRIEF

On Thanksgiving, Tamera felt the void left by Alaina’s loss. She wrote on her Instagram stories, “Missing you Lai Lai.”

Christmastime was even more painful. It was the time the family expected Alaina home but she was never coming. Tamera admitted in a post, “The questions of why consume my mind. But I must hold on to the fact that our Lord is sovereign. The reality of you not being here hits stronger today.”

“Every time my plane takes off I envision us flying together. A sense of calmness comes over me."

Six months after Alaina’s passing and Tamera still missed Alaina. She recalled seeing her in people she would come across who looked like her.

“I often do a double take at women that remind me of you! The pain of how you were taken from us comes back.”

It also saddens the talk show host to know that Alaina was no longer around to play with her children, Aden and Aria, and to watch them grow. She writes this with the acceptance that Alaina is now their angel in heaven.

CELEBRATING ALAINA'S 19TH

That being said, Tamera greeted her on her birthday with a renewed sense of calm.

“Alaina Happy Heavenly 19th Birthday,” the host of “The Real” wrote. “Not a day goes by without thinking of your sweet face and beautiful smile. I miss you so damn much.”

“Every time my plane takes off I envision us flying together. A sense of calmness comes over me. Every time I go for a run, I sense you right by my side whispering, “You can do this.” I love you sweet angel."

Tamera, added, “The hardest part is the wait. Until we meet again.”

Alaina looked beautiful in the photo Tamera shared. She wore a green fur coat matched by her green eye makeup. Seeing how young and lovely she is, we feel for Tamera’s loss and the life that was taken away from her niece.

May Alaina be resting with angels in heaven and find peace and comfort among them.