I cannot put into words how incredible of a woman my grandmother is. I already know this article won't be able to do her justice, even in the slightest bit. At the very least, I'm trying. Because I'm afraid that she doesn't hear it enough. She doesn't hear how much she means to all of the people that are lucky enough to be a part of her life, and how much of an influence she has had on ours. It would be a shame to leave her in the dark like that.

There is an abundance of reasons why I idolize my grandma. Why she is my hero, and my best friend in the EUP. I could spend all day rattling off her funny quirks and sayings, but some things are best left unsaid. Instead, I have fifteen biggies that make me smile:

1. Her Food

Starting it off simple, the first question I get when I walk through her door is if I'm ready to eat. You will never leave that house with an empty stomach. She makes sure I'm still eating home cooked meals as a busy, sleep deprived college student. Of course I'm a little biased, but I do believe my grandma is the greatest cook out there. Every family dinner at her house is an experience I don't want to miss.

2. Her Messages

She sends me the cutest and most hilarious text messages, even if she doesn't always intend for them to be. I'm always left chuckling on the other side of the phone. Don't even bother asking her to send you a recipe...you'll just have to interpret all the wrong, misplaced words, and end up creating your own recipe anyway.

3. Her Helpfulness

Families that bake together, stay together. She swears I make the best cookies around, and I swear she is a really good liar.

4. Her Support

At every big event that has happened in my life, my grandma has been there for me. From horse shows to high school graduation, her face has been the one I always look for in the crowd. I always find it too, and I always find a smile. Her support is more than I could have ever asked for.

5. Her Entertainment

I have turned down nights out with friends for nights in with my grandma. Those same friends have busted out laughing when I tell them my reasoning, but I just shake it off and smile because I know they won't ever understand. Movie nights at my grandma's house are something that should not be messed with.

6. Her Unconditional Love

She loves me for who I am, and doesn't judge me for my mistakes. Because I've made plenty of them. Considering I was the shy kid who wouldn't even talk out loud in front of my family until I was pretty up there in age, I can safely say for sure now that I am 100% comfortable opening up in front of my grandma, and she allows me to completely be myself.

7. Her Resilience

She has been there through it all. Every terrible, heart-wrenching thing that has happened to me has happened to her as well. That's what happens when you're family. You also learn to deal with it as a family.

8. Her Stories

I like to listen and she likes to talk. We just work well together. She has the best stories to tell; my grandparents knew how to have a good time in their younger days. I hope I can collect as many incredible memories as she has. I also hope I can carry as many of her stories as possible with me for the remainder of my life.

9. Her Honesty

When I do need to talk to someone, she always has an ear to listen and gives me the best, honest advice.

10. Her Optimism

Her optimism is contagious. If you ask her for advice about doing something, she's going to tell you to go for it either way. You have to look at the bright side of things when she's around, and you have to take every opportunity that you can get your hands on. With everything that has happened to her, you wouldn't think that she could still believe in so much. Somehow, she still sees the best in every situation and every person that she meets. It's one of her most admirable qualities.

11. Her Compassion

There is always an open invitation to her house. Whenever I'm trying to escape my little world, I know that her door is always open and I am welcome there. My best memories are in that house or down that lane. Her house is one of love, safety, and contentment. It is easily one of my favorite places.

12. Her Grace

She is someone that I look up to and want to make proud. The way she handles everything with such grace is beyond me. I work hard to make sure I have good things to tell her when she asks what I've been up to. I don't ever want to leave her disappointed.

13. Her Dedication

She gave up on her education to raise her family. School has been my everything for so many years, but she's been giving me a lesson of her own on how to look beyond exams and essays sometimes and enjoy the little things that life has to offer. I can't even fathom her being my age and having a family to take care of already. It only makes me have the utmost respect for her.

14. Her Marriage

My grandparents are all the proof I need that marriage can in fact work, and you can love someone (the same someone) for decades. It takes work, but it can be done.

15. Her Strength

My grandmother is the strongest woman I have ever met. I'm just going to leave it at that.

My grandma is one of my very best friends, and everything I can only hope to be someday (minus the million kids). I love her something fierce :o)