Dear Grammy,

Today would be your birthday. We, as a family, would all get together – all of the cousins, aunts, uncles, kids, absolutely everyone – to show you how much we love and appreciate you. But today, we won’t be doing that. Everyone will be going about their lives. I’m not saying they won’t think about you because they obviously will. For me, unfortunately, it won’t be an easy day.

Two days of the year are always the hardest for me: your birthday and the day you passed away. I know today should be a day to celebrate your life and all they amazing things you brought to everyone’s lives, but it just makes me miss you even more.

I am so lucky I got to have such an amazing, compassionate, beautiful person in my life. Getting to see you every weekend was the best part of my week. My fondest memories of my life were with you, my special person. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for having you in my life.

Today, as sad as I will be that I can’t be with you on your birthday, I will honor you and think about all of our amazing times together. Thank you for showing me how to find the true love and enjoyment in life. Thank you for giving me all your love and support.

Today, you would be 86. Today, you would be enjoying chocolate cake and being surrounded by your amazing family. It just isn’t fair; you were so young. But, when I sit down and think, I realize that if you were here, you most likely would not know who I am. In truth, I lost you a long time ago. Alzheimer’s took you away.

So, happy birthday, Grammy. Because you deserve to have the best day. A day dedicated just to you, to my very special person. I miss hearing you say your saying to me, so I will say it to you. “I love you bushels and pecks and hugs around your neck,”

Love,

Your Brenty