Of the many influences in my life, there are a key few that don’t get as much recognition as they deserve — my grandparents. After growing up with two sets of grandparents and one set of step-grandparents, I’ve learned a lot and gained endless memories from them all. So, Grammie, Papa, Nana, other Papa, and Grandma and Grandpa, thanks:
- For showing me that dessert is a necessary addition to any meal.
- Thank you for reminding me to value our heritage.
- On top of that, thanks for making the best Italian food around.
- Thanks putting priceless family traditions in place. Easter wouldn’t be the same without dyeing eggs at your house and what would we do without our fancy Christmas dresses that we always wear?
- Thanks for giving me a lot of aunts and uncles who gave me plenty of cousins to play with.
- Thanks for making every family members’ birthday special; there has always been reason to celebrate during family dinners.
- You constantly display what unconditional love is, whether it is to each other, your children, or grandchildren, so thank you for that.
- Thanks for the $5 bills you gave me whenever I visited your house when I was little—it felt like $100 to me.
- You’ve stayed up-to-date with newer technologies, like texting and Facebook, just to stay connected with the family. We love that.
- Thank you for attending every band concert that you did.
- Thanks for the flowers you brought for me to those concerts.
- Even if you don’t always call me by the right cousin’s name, you always remember what snacks I like or what my favorite dinner is. Thanks for spoiling me when I come over for a meal.
- Thanks for teaching me that duct tape fixes everything.
- It’s the best when you tell me embarrassing stories about my aunts, uncles, and parents; thanks for the times you’ve made me laugh until I cry.
- Thank you for giving me great parents.
- Not only do you know everything about the family, you know everything about everything. Thank you for the knowledge you have instilled in me.
- Thanks for introducing me to the best side dish ever: hush puppies.
- Thank you for all that you do for the family. Whether it be buying a beautiful necklace for someone’s 18th birthday or giving everyone a place to stay when they’re in need, you do your best to provide for us.
- Thanks for making me the best pancakes I’ve ever tasted.
- And thanks for attempting to teach me to bake pancakes that are just as good.
- You’ve supported me in every venture that I attempt, from little league soccer up to college. Thank you.
- Thanks for spending date night eating dinner at the restaurant I work at and then tipping me better than any other customers.
- You’ve been the best nurses I could imagine (probably because you were a nurse at one point) so thank you for the help.
- Thank you for serving our country when you were a member of the Air Force.
- And thank you for showing me how to cherish the people who fight for the country.
- Thanks for wearing those shirts covered in every grandchild’s handprint, even though they weren’t the most stylish.
This short list of 26 feels inadequate to say thanks, but I hope it will suffice. I love you!
