Dear Grandma ND,

Thank you, Grandma, for loving me unconditionally. I know we have both had struggles in our lives and although I was not around for yours, you have been nothing but supportive and encouraging through mine. You always believe in me even when I don’t believe in myself. You know how much I love my pets and my family and how much they love me back. You never get mad at me when I don’t respond to your emails for a while and when I do your responses make my day. You send me the cutest animal stories or funny jokes because you know they will cheer me up. You love all of your grandchildren and are so proud to share in our successes and failures. I love knowing you will always send me a package with candy whether I ask for it or not. I always know that when you come to visit, there will be chocolate under my pillow.

I remember the first time you painted my nails at the cabin and I still have that nail polish. You taught me to play card games, go shopping and share secrets. We could never go fishing without the licorice. We have completed an unthinkable number of puzzles and yet we never seem to run out. You helped grow my love for coffee (hot cocoa from River Rock when I was little) and I got so excited when you let me sit in the front seat. You always asked about my soccer games, and even braved the cold a few times even when you did not understand the game. You would always cheer for me and I really appreciated that. I loved opening my Christmas presents to find tie dye soccer socks and a jar of olives. Most kids my age probably would not have wanted socks and strange type of fruit called a drupe (yes I had to look it up) but I loved it!

Thank you for always reading my articles. I know when I submit it that one person for sure will read it and appreciate it. I know you always look forward to reading them and that makes me so happy. Writing for Odyssey has been such a positive outlet for me this year and I am so thankful I have been able to share that with you.

I can’t thank you enough for your support, encouragement and love as I have grown up. Even though you live far away I have so many fond memories with you from when I was little until now. I am so grateful for the time you spend with me and my brother our whole lives from the eventful day I was born and during all of the ups and downs and twisters (hehe) since.

I love you so much,

Annika MN