I have always been super close with my grandparents, but as I became older, I realized how important they were to me. From showing up to every one of my soccer games, to babysitting so my parents could go out for date night, and everything in between, they have always been there for my family. Through the years as we went through changes and problems in life, they were always there to lean on. I have never been more grateful to have such loving people in my life and proud to call my grandparents.

Throughout the years, my family and I have been fortunate enough to travel to Arizona and Wisconsin to visit them for spring break and during the summer. Their homes have helped our family create so many lasting memories that we will cherish forever. This past fall, they sold the home in Wisconsin, which was hard on our family, but it made us really think about how much of an impact that house made on us and how much we are really going to miss it. Without this house, we would not have learned how to water ski, gotten cheap, but delicious ice cream at the town's windmill, or played pool and air hockey for hours in the basement of the cottage. I am forever grateful for this home and thank my grandparents for allowing us to make such special memories in their home.

When my grandparents chose to buy another home in Arizona, I never really knew how much it would impact my life. I chose to go to school across the country in Arizona, which allowed me to spend even more time with them and made us closer. From shopping to experiencing new restaurants, and walking around the fountain across from their house, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Every Wednesday I call my grandma just to share what's been going on that week, or just in life in general, and I look forward to it every time. It has created such a special connection between the two of us and she is always just a phone call away. Not only does it put me in a better mood, but it makes me so happy that I have her in my life.

My grandpa is the most generous person I have ever met and I hope to be just like him one day when I have grandchildren. Helping me financially with college has been the most generous thing someone can do and I am forever grateful that I have someone like him in my life.

Some people aren't close with their grandparents and if I were to recommend one thing, I would say go that extra mile to make that special connection with them. Ask about their lives when they were younger, where they met, and what they learned in life, it might just change your view on life.

Always take advantage of the time you have with loved ones because it can create such special bonds to last a lifetime. I have never met more special people than these two and I hope to be half the people they are one day.