Appreciate them. Please. Appreciate every moment you have with your grandparents because truthfully, you don't know when it will be your last time to hug them or kiss them or snuggle into them.

The last time I was able to snuggle into my grandmother was when I was eight years old. You read that right. Eight. She was the last grandparent I had, and she left the world too early. I would give anything to be back snuggling into her in Canada as she gave me a yellow stuffed worm booklight. I would give anything to laugh with her about her goat hairs at the bottom of her chin (that she always seemed to obsess over plucking). I would give anything to hear her criticize me for using too much soap in the public restroom. I would give anything to walk the Shih Tzus around my neighborhood again. I would give absolutely anything to hear her laugh and to hear her voice, because I am starting to forget those sounds. Those angelic sounds.

Grandparent's Day, 2003 - Mia Messinger

Christmas in Allentown, 2007 - Mia Messinger

Easter, 2000 - Mia Messinger

The last time I was able to swim in the pool with my grandfather was when I was six years old. You read that right. Six. He was my dad's father, and he was my absolute best friend. I would give anything to practice braiding on his long hair again. I would give anything to hear him chuckle. I would give anything to enjoy the taste of eating sour cream by the spoonful again. I would give anything to wake him up on Christmas morning again. I would give anything to go back in time and tell my younger self to be grateful for the Hopscotch Girls I got instead of the American Girl doll I so desperately wanted. I would give anything for just ten more minutes snuggling in his recliner.

Celebrating Grandpa's birthday, 2006 - Mia Messinger

Christmas, 2005 - Mia Messinger

My sister's wedding, 2003 - Mia Messinger

I would give up everything I have today for just a few moments to be able to relive my favorite memories with them. For those of you that still have grandparents today, please, for the love of God, love them. Admire them. Cherish them. Gossip with them. Tell them everything. Listen to everything. Listen more than you speak. Stop being so selfish and taking them for granted, because at least you still have them. Recognize how lucky you are. You have no idea what you have when you have it. Spend every day recognizing and acknowledging your grandparents' true value. They have stories to share, love to give, and memories to last a lifetime.

All I have left are the memories that haunt me, with the knowledge that I no longer have their arms to cry into.