To my two incredible grandmothers,

Writing anything about you will always bring tears to my eyes. There hasn’t been a day that goes by that I don’t think about both of you. I always remember both of your laughs, or the way your hugs always felt so warm. I was blessed to have the time I had with both of you. I had time that many people don’t get to have. I would love to be able to hear your laughs again or feel your warm hugs on a cold winter day. I miss you both more than I can put into words. My heart will always have a piece missing. People say time heals all wounds, but that wound will always be fresh, some days are better than others, but I still can’t believe you’re both gone.

Grandma Ellie, I still remember visiting you in the nursing home and you calling me your baby. I was always the youngest in the family, but I always knew that having a bond with you was more important to me than anything. Hearing how you told my mom and dad all about how to make rice balls was a high point of my day. You inspired me everyday when I thought about you moving to the United States at seven years old, without knowing any English. The story of how you met grandpa will always be my favorite love story. You will always remind me what true strength is, I know I’ll always carry a piece of you with me.

Grandma Vivian, I spent so much time with you growing up and I was always able to learn so much. You taught me everything from the importance of family to baking a cake. Your heart was bigger than any person that I have ever known. Your strength was beyond amazing. Even at 95 years old you would do things that most teenagers don’t do. You gave our family so much, and for that I could not ask for anything else. You gave so much unconditional love to your children, grandchildren and great children. You left a mark on all of us.

My heart will always hold the pain of your loss, but it will also hold all the memories and all the love you both gave over the years. You both raised very strong families and we will always hold such a tight grip on how important family is. Thank you for everything, and I promise to make both of you proud. I hope you can enjoy watching my journey. I hope that I can become someone that resembles the both of you.

Love and miss you so much

xoxo

Malené