Dear Brain Tumor,

My grandpa has the goofiest laugh and the weirdest sense of humor. He'll use every opportunity to make fun of his grandkids (in a loving way, of course) and his smile is contagious. Did you know that when you took over his brain? He's always remembered to call me on my birthday and to ask me how college is going. Did you know that when you blurred his memory? Did you know that he has an amazing support system, and that every single one of us is rooting against you? I hope you know that.

It's difficult to think that not too long ago, you didn't exist. Nobody knew you would ever exist. He was happily playing with his great grandchildren and cracking awful jokes whenever he got the chance. I don't even need to live closer or see him all the time to know that much. I also know that he's strong enough to take you on. Did you?

He's a happy man. The love he and my grandma have for each other makes me hopeful that I will someday have the same. I know that her love, along with all of ours, is strong enough to get him through this. Did you?

Everyone was so busy and so concerned about him and his condition, that I was the last to find out about you. I came home one weekend, not thinking that anything significant was happening to my family. I heard my mom talking to my grandma on the phone, and I could tell by what she was saying that something was wrong. My sister whispered, "It's Grandpa." I gave her a questioning look and she said, "He has a brain tumor." My heart sank at the thought of your existence.

Last Friday was a terrifying day. My mom and my sister had driven four hours to go see my grandpa while I was stuck at school. I kept waiting for an update on your brain surgery.

When I found out that the surgery had gone as expected, I knew that meant they couldn't get you out. That meant that part of you was still stuck in his brain. I was happy that he was doing better, but infuriated that you wouldn't just leave him alone. He has a long road ahead, but he's going to fight you. I hope you know that.

I'm not going to sit here and ask you why you've done this to him. I'm not going to ask why bad things happen to such good people. Because the fact is, I know they happen. You're not the first disruptant in my family. I just wanted you to know. I wanted you to know that we are all praying that you shrink. We are all praying that you disappear. Whatever happens, you won't win. You've become a giant obstacle in his life, but you won't win.

We win. We get to have a man like him in our lives. We have and will continue to make goofy memories with him, and you'll never ruin that. We win.

Sincerely,

His granddaughter.