Dear Grammy,

I have never thanked you enough for everything you do for me. From the moment I was born, you loved me with everything you had. And in the years that followed, you helped clothe me, feed me and raise me. I would say my please and thank you's, but they have never been enough to show you how much I appreciate all you have done for me. Ever since I was born, you have helped raise me. You held me when I was sick and loved me when I was sad. You have celebrated my successes and help me push through my failures. You would watch me run around and play all day, and when I was tired, you helped me fall asleep. You would give me “sugar bears” for breakfast and PB&J for lunch, and you still don’t let me leave hungry. We had our lunch dates to McDonald's and our trips to the ACME. And yet I have not thanked you enough.

As I grew older, I saw you less. I started school and would only see you for part of the day. But I couldn’t wait to tell you all about my school day. I remember when you would drop me off at preschool and sometimes, I didn’t want you to leave. When I started elementary school, I saw you even less, which made seeing you that much more special. You supported my dreams as I grew. From singing in choir, my attempts at art and competing in a pageant. To this day you are still one of my biggest supporters. You were there for me when I started driving, got my first boyfriend, graduated high school and now started college. And yet I have not thanked you enough.

Now that I am in college, I miss you more than ever. For 9 months of the year, you are no longer just a 10 minute drive away. I can’t pop in whenever I have the time, and I can’t get one of my absolute favorite hugs when I need them most. I can’t ask you to “tickle my arm” or play with my hair or take naps on your couch. I can’t make a mess out of your counter as Pop Pop, Emily and I would blow bubbles or make silly putty on the counter. I can’t draw in every notebook in the house or make timelines out of pennies. But the things I can do are love my family and friends, treat everyone I meet with kindness and make sure I always carry tissues. I can make sure I always have snacks and enough to go around, of course. And most important I know that I can call or text my Grammy when I need you most. I can now be the person you have helped raise me to be. I can now go out into the world and show others the kindness you have always shown me. But don’t worry, I will be back in a few months for a hug and a snack.

I love you Grammy, and I always will.