Most people assume the title of #1 Fans is limited only to Mom and Dad; or, in general, the people who clothed, fed and raised you. Everyone else is second to the parental units, but if that were truly the case they would not have put “grand” in front of the word “parent”. Not only did your grandparents put in the blood, sweat and tears to raise your parents, they also decided to stick around to see how you turned out. True to their namesake, they not only spectate, but participate in your life with grand gusto, offering the greatest wisdom they possess.

I’m blessed to have four fantastic #1’s besides my grade “A” mom and dad, who back me consistently. Where parents love and accept you for all of your faults, I know from experience that your grandparents will live in denial of the possibility that you are less than perfect. And they will do anything in their power to make sure you stay that way. When you are young they feed you sugar to keep you sweet and teach you cool things, like how to knit your own blankets, so you won’t have to buy the overpriced comforter at Bed, Bath, and Beyond when you’re preparing for your Freshmen year of college. By the way, at that point they are already asking how to reserve their tickets for your graduation.

If we all saw ourselves the way our grandparents see us, no one would have trouble with self-esteem. That is their superpower: it is impossible for them to doubt that their grandchildren will succeed. I want to thank my Grandma who not only recognizes my potential every day, but also tracks it on social media.

If there is a person I can always count on to be there for me, when my parents are not able to, it’s you, Grandma. You helped to raise my brother and me without complaints; Grandma’s house is a second home, just around the corner. From helping us to learn how to read to almost always being flexible if I needed a ride to work, you never hesitate to ask, “How can I help?”

That readiness is not just reserved to your grandchildren. If there is anyone who has been a role model to me in helping others it is you. It’s entertaining to watch people react when I say that my grandmother has more of a social life than I do, particularly when they know I don’t move through my life passively. I remain amazed by how you can balance it all. You plan and prioritize, and enjoy life without regrets. That type of zeal for life has not gone unnoticed by your grandchildren. There is something special about your selfish selflessness, finding happiness through being there for others that will always stay with me.

Being associated with the “Woman of the Green” taught me the rewards of being yourself, as well as a sense of humor. You also introduced to me the benefits of a wide network of friends, and keeping the dear ones near. Your willingness to change and “get with the times,” puts some old adages about dogs and tricks to shame. Wherever I go I will remember the good times we continue to have, whether they were our Spanish adventures or your birthday parties in my backyard, where your mission of the day was to get all of your grandchildren to sit for a picture.

Without belittling my parents’ efforts I would advocate for an expansion of the #1 Fan club. The grandest of family members must be included in that number. Thank you for taking the time to listen to all that I have to say, even if it means figuring out how to search it on Facebook.