To My Grandparents,

The first thing I have to say is "thank you."

Thank you for all the great memories.

Thank you for all of your inspiration.

Thank you for all of your love and support.

You have been one of the first individuals I have met since I was born and, in fact, were there at the hospital during my birth. You have seen me grow up since my first days up to where I am now. You have babysat me while I was a baby and understood nothing but pure love. It made your day just getting to spend time with me as a child even if I was being obstinate or shy. Some of my first gifts are from you and they are kept as priceless keepsakes and still looked back on even now with happiness in heart.

Every little obstacle I have faced you have always had my best interest in mind. When I was learning to walk, you were right there to catch me. When I drew scribbles on pieces of paper for hours and showed my art you treated it as a masterpiece to be hung up and shown around. When I decided to pick up a new instrument in middle school and brought it to your home you encouraged my playing and gave me praise even though my instrument playing sounded horrible. When you were sick you let me help you and encouraged my dream to go into the medical field even as a young girl. Now I have graduated high school with honors, have gotten awards for my music performances and art and am enrolled in college for the health field. Everything I wanted to do you stuck by me and never discouraged me even how impossible some of my dreams have been.

As problems have risen or I have been discouraged and need advice you always have something helpful to say no matter what the situation may be. I have learned so much from each one of you and each lesson has helped me in life tremendously. I remember you saying many of these things when I was too young to understand but even now I look back and think about what you have said and how amazing of advice it was. Without your love, support, humor or advice I wouldn't be who I am now and not as successful as I am currently.

This letter is a love letter but it is also a thank you. Grandparents are a gift to grandchildren just as supportive parents are. You have continuously revitalized my doubts in love and partners, you have encouraged me through good and bad, and you have left a mark on my heart for the rest of my life. I will remember everything you have done for me and all of the wonderful memories you have given me to the end of my lifetime.

Love,

Ashley