"What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies." -Rudy Giuliani

It is no secret that grandparents are a blessing to us, but unfortunately it seems that they are also taken for granted at times. As young kids, we most likely didn't appreciate our grandparents being around as much as we should have. Now that we have grown older and realize what a special gift in life grandparents truly are, it may be too late for some of us.

I have always loved my grandparents. When I was younger I loved going to their houses to visit them and spend time with them. There was just something about grandma and grandpa's house that was different, you were never quite sure exactly what, but you knew that you loved it. After all, you would never leave their house with an empty stomach and you most likely got away with fun things that you wouldn't have been able to do at your own house.

Even though I loved my grandparents very much and spent a lot of time with them when I was younger, I never fully understood that they weren't going to be around forever. If I had learned this lesson sooner, I would have cherished the time I had with them more and tried to learn as much as I possibly could from them.

Between September 2008 and November 2009, I had lost my maternal grandfather and both paternal grandparents, who are all pictured above. I was only in sixth and seventh grade at the time and didn't fully understand what was happening as I experienced my first death in the family, shortly followed by two more. I knew that my grandparents had all been suffering and that they were now in peace in a better place, but only now do I realize what it is like growing up and living most of my life without three of my grandparents.

You don't appreciate your grandparent's presence at your birthday parties or sporting events as much until they are no longer there. Confirmation and graduation is bittersweet when your other family members tell you how proud your grandparents would be if they were there. You know in your mind though that they have been present all along the way, smiling proudly from up above.

Since I have lost my three grandparents and also have grown up and matured over the years, I have learned to appreciate my surviving grandmother so much more. I cherish every single visit I get with her, and love to hear her voice at our door when she stops over for an unexpected visit. I thank God every day that my grandmother is in good health and remains very active at the age of 85. She still volunteers at a local medical center, exercises multiple days a week, travels, shops, and loves to spend time with her family, snapping photos of us on her ancient film camera every chance that she gets.

Grandparents are such a blessing to those who are lucky enough to still have them in their lives. They have many important life lessons to teach you that they have learned over their lifetime, and I encourage everyone to sit down and learn them from their grandparents while you have the chance. Do not take your grandparents for granted. Visit them any chance you get, and if you are far from home, give them a call or send them a card because it will most likely make their day. Make sure that your grandparents know that you love and appreciate them while you have the chance to, because they love you very much and we may only be blessed to have them in our lives for a short period time.