Almost everyone has fond memories with their grandparents, even if you can’t remember any.

They are the ones that get to spoil you anytime they want and they have always had your back. For my whole life, my grandma has lived with us, sometimes just right down the hall from me. Having her there every day has impacted my life in ways I wasn’t able to fully appreciate until left home and didn't have her there.

Looking back, there are many important things I learned from her, and things she did that I will forever hold close to my heart. During my childhood, I grew up thinking everyone's grandma lived with them, I soon realized how lucky I was.

1. She’s the best cuddle buddy

Having her right down the hall from me meant many nights crawling in her bed once my parents went to sleep. She always kept the blanket turned down for me so I could snuggle right in. Sometimes she was still up reading and would scratch my back to make me fall asleep, other times she was snoring the night away and I put my head in-between her pillows. Yet, none of that mattered when I reached my foot across the bed and felt her warm leg knowing she would be there when I woke up.

2. She was the best chauffeur

Even though she could barely see the road. Now cars have seats that rise higher for the shorter side of the population, but before that grandma just took her chances. I could always count on her to be there to take me anywhere, just not that we would arrive on time.

3. She was the loudest fan at every sports game

Living in the same house made it easier for her to participate in everyday endeavors like sports games and recitals. Little league soccer, middle school basketball, recreational volleyball, it didn’t matter to my grandma. If I was playing, she was cheering. Not just normal cheering along with the crowd, grandma beat to her own drum and yelled high and loud whenever she found appropriate. It got to the point where I would beg her to not cheer at my games, but I always smiled whenever I heard her yell my name.

4. She would try and help with homework

So, algebra wasn’t her strong suit as it has changed a ton since she was in school but she still made an effort! She would tell me how the history books got it wrong and what “really happened”, and simply told me I just had to pass science. My grandma was a champion spelling teacher, as I was horrible at spelling and would probably die without spell check. We would spend hours sitting together going over flash cards before a spelling test just to make sure I passed, and I did, 75% of the time. She was there to watch me grow through my struggles and witness the miracle of my success.

5. She gives unique relationship advice

At her age, men were not on her radar. She had too many kids, who then made too many grandkids for her to ever have time to worry about having a man to come home to. How could she? My cold feet and I were always right there to snuggle up. After getting divorced from my grandpa decades ago, she never showed interest in dating again. She always told me to find myself before finding a man who would do it for me.

6. She taught me her version of “girly” things

Even with having 3 older sisters, there were still some things I did not understand about being a girl. Like why I had to brush my hair and my brother didn’t, and why it mattered if my legs were hairy. I still have a scar on my leg from when I used my grandmas razor to try and shave my legs, and then trailed blood across the hallway to find a band aid. Boy she was not happy about that, but in the end explained that my hair was so light you couldn’t even see it, but when you could she would show me how to do it.

7. She forgives me for everything

Even when I don’t deserve it, her forgiveness is limitless. Spill ice cream on her new rug? Break her china glass drinking apple juice? Charge iTunes on her credit card without asking? All are notable offences, but will always be forgiven by grandma. She’s been there since you were in diapers, she knows your mistakes don't make you who you are.

8. She’s one of my best friends

We’ve been through a lot together, and it was not all lollipops and homemade cookies. She’s always been there for me, even when I forget to be thankful for it. Family is a mess, she isn’t perfect, but neither am I. We have our faults, but in the end, know that we share a bond that doesn’t waiver easily.

All in all, one thing I would never change about my childhood is her everyday presence. Whether I was having a bad day, or just needed my grandma, she was always there. A relationship with a grandparent is different than that of a parent or a sibling, my grandma was my secret keeper and living guardian angel. More, now than ever, I am thankful to have such a close and unique relationship with her.