To My Grandparents,

When I think of my grandmother, I think of warm cookies and sweet smells. When I think of my grandfather, I think of the ability to fix and do anything. When I think of you both, however, I think of endless love and joy. No matter what I do, I know that you will always love me, even if I didn't go to the University of Tennessee. I'm so thankful that you're always there to remind me to chase my dreams and to never let anything get me down. You have always visibly shown me what strength looks like. Never have you let me down. You have always made sure that I grew up happy and had whatever I may have wanted. Even now you still make sure that I do not drive back to college without something, whether it's brownies, a liter of coke, or even a roll of paper towels. You always make sure that I have whatever I may need, even if I am very insistent that I do not need it.

Another of my favorite things about both of you is your everyday demonstration of what true love looks like. I have learned from the two of you to not just settle with any guy. I have learned that if a man is not willing to help me when I am incapable of doing anything, then he is not worth it. I've learned that even in this day and age it is possible to only marry one person your whole life. You've shown me that if my husband doesn't kiss me every time he has to give me an insulin shot, then he's not worth it. You've taught me that it's okay to fight and go crazy, but it's what happens at the end of the day the matters the most.

You have shown me sacrifice, not necessarily in person, but through your stories. Hearing of your struggles growing up, but still seeing the people that you have become is unbelievable. You've told me stories of real hard work. Hard work that most people will never know. You've told me incredible stories of the past and you've taught me several, several things.

I will forever think one of the most important things that you've instilled into me is my faith. Every Sunday we were sitting in a pew singing Amazing Grace. Even though the multiple hospital visits, you always made sure that God was the center of it all. We would always pray for God to heal.

I will never be able to thank the both of you enough for everything that you've done for me and everything that you've instilled in me, but I just want you to know that I am very thankful. I love both of you more than words can express.

Thank you for everything.