My Gram passed away earlier this year, after living a long and full 92 years. She constantly inspired me and through her actions, taught me lessons I’ll never forget.

In memory of her, these are some things Gram taught me.

1. You’re never too old to look fabulous.

Gram always looked put-together. Even as she got older, Gram’s style was impeccable and she loved dressing up her outfits with accessories. The ladies at the Estée Lauder counter in Lord & Taylor knew her by name and the products she always needed. The most admirable part was that Gram knew no one expected her to look fabulous, but it made her feel good and that was her only motivation.

2.You can find your true love at a young age.

Gram and Pop met in eighth grade. They fell in love and spent the next 60+ years together. I’ll never forget their stories of visiting each other at college and moving into their first home together. As a kid, I would watch them cook dinner together, her by the stove and him peeling the vegetables. I’ll never forget them dancing around the kitchen floor listening to their CDs still so in love after all those years.

3. Eat dessert for breakfast.

Gram loved big breakfasts. It was something she never skipped out on. She always made time to have her coffee, cinnamon rolls, zucchini bread, or some other baked goods. She never deprived herself of those delicious joys in life and enjoyed her breakfasts thoroughly. Of course, it made her late to one or two family functions, but we were all used to it. Her morning breakfast was something she wouldn’t compromise and it made her so happy.