When I was younger I had a lot of people in my life that I couldn’t imagine being without. I had my grandparents, aunts, and uncles that made loved and supported me so I can be the person who I am today. They were at all holidays, birthday parties, and school concerts watching my sisters and I grow up. They all lived healthy and happy lives, but all in the past five or six years, they left us and went to Heaven. Everyone in my family and I miss them so much, but we’re so thankful for the unconditional love they gave us throughout the years. I often think about them, but here is an open letter with the words I say to them.

I want to first off thank you for loving each and every person in their own way. You all spent alone time with me and always did what I wanted to do even without me asking. Whether it was going out to lunch, playing a game, or listening about a bad day at school or work, you always put me first. You never seem bothered when I wanted to do something, you were always happy and enjoyed seeing me happy. And that absolutely means the world to me.

I very much miss spending holidays with you. You were always at birthdays, Christmas, Hanukkah, July 4th, and you even stayed awake for the New Year. Every year, you always exchanged presents and celebrated good times. I miss the laughs that you had with us every year. You always offered your homes and cooking to make the holidays as special as they can be. Your presents and celebratory wishes came from the heart and I wish I could get that back more than anything.

I want to tell you how much I appreciate the advice and wisdom you passed onto me. I would not be the person I am today without it. You lived through the Great Depression, World War II, Civil Rights Movement, and many more significant events so you saw it all. You learned how family is the most important thing despite what is going on in the world and you continued to pass that down in your family. You passed the idea to accept everyone for who they are and love them unconditionally.

When someone thinks of an older family member, he or she thinks they are stubborn, stuck in their ways, and sometimes sassy. That is exactly right. My family members were older, sassy, and had their strong opinions, but everybody has their own flaws. My deceased family members were incredibly warmhearted and selfless. When they become dependent on others later in their lives, it was, of course, frustrating. As frustrating as it could be, we couldn’t help but love them just like they loved us. My family and I say this all the time, along with you fellow readers, that I would give anything to have them back in our lives. Thanks for everything. Love and miss you.