My grandmother has been one of the most influential people in my life. Having aided in raising me to the young woman I am today, I have learned a multitude of things from her.
1. Work Ethic
My grandmother worked the night shift so that she could raise her children during the day. As my brother and I grew up, she helped raise us. Both my parents worked full time, and my grandma was always at the street corner to pick my brother and I up. She never stopped working and made sure we had what we needed.
2. Never Give Up
If you have a dream, chase it, and don't let anyone else be a barrier. You are your own barrier. My grandmother always instilled in me to go after where my heart lies and told me that no matter what I choose to do, I need to have a smile while doing it.
3. The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow
Today might not have been great, but you have the power to improve tomorrow.
4. Find Something Good In Everyone
As Albus Dumbledore said: "We've all got light and dark inside of us."
5. Trust
You aren't going to get anywhere if you think the worst possible scenario. Put trust in God. My grandmother is one of my surest bases of faith. Whenever my brother and I spent Saturday nights at her apartment, she would ensure to take us to mass with her either that night or the next morning.
6. Perseverance
Keep trying, you are bound to get it right at some point.
7. How to Laugh
Always find the good in something. A day without a laugh is a day gone to waste.
8. The World Does Not Revolve Around You
Think about others.
9. Respect
Others, but yourself as well. She taught me that I am a person that does not only deserve respect from others but needs to find respect for herself too.
10. Empathy
Show others you care.
11. How to Love
Sometimes, giving someone a smile is the best thing they have received all day.
12. Giving Back
We are lucky, share it.
Thanks, Grandma. I love you to the moon and back and back again on Saturn's Rings and through the Milky Way and all the way back to your apartment on Ridge Boulevard.
