Dear Nana,

SURPRISE!!! This article is for you, to write in words how much you mean to me… so, thank you for being my best friend. I don’t know many other people who have the type of relationship with their grandparents as I have with you. I miss our after school lunch dates where I fill you in on everything in my life or just being able to come over and talk like I did over winter break. Sometimes I tell my friends what we talk about and they are so shocked that I could talk to you about the things that I do. Honestly, there are no topics that are off limits and I love when you gossip to me about your friends as well. You’re the best secret keeper and I love going to you for advice.

Thank you for all of your pep talks and confidence boosters. I can always count on you to wish me luck on my exams and to hear that you “have complete faith in me” even when I don’t have it in myself. Thank you for all of your feedback on my articles and for being excited when I send you my new ones. Thank you for always checking in on me when I am sick and for always being there when I need you. Thank you for always wanting to get in the car with me (even though you always offer to drive) and thank you for getting an iPhone just so that you could Facetime with me (even though we haven’t done that yet).

I can’t remember a time when we weren’t as close as we are now. I remember crying when I was little every time you would go to leave after being at my house. I still love all of the little amounts of time we can spend together; whether I am just stopping by to say hello (which turns into us talking for hours), you coming with me while I get a haircut (because I hate doing that alone), getting lunch, going shopping and everything in between.

I love all of the traditions we have together. From sitting together at every holiday meal, walking around “our little village,” going to see Broadway shows together, seeing the Nutcracker every year for a long time and going through your jewelry box together, I have the best memories of us. And, here’s to everything we have yet to do but keep saying we will like spending the day in the Hamptons or traveling to Paris together; there is nothing that we could do that would not be fun.

Finally, I love hearing all about your childhood and all of your stories about Papa. There is nothing more interesting to me than hearing all about your life and your stories. I love hearing about everything you did as a child and getting to know you even more than I already do. Thank you for being you. I love you and miss you so much!! See you soon (if it isn’t already spring break!!!) :)

Xoxo,

(your favorite grandchild) Ryan