Not all of us are lucky enough to know our great-grandparents, but I was. And every single day I thank God that I have the chance to know you. To really know you. To talk to you, have you there when I graduated high school, and to have you here cheering me on throughout my college career. But there are a few things you've taught me that I want to say thank you for, so here we go.
Thank you for letting me eat cereal at every meal. Whether it was breakfast, lunch or dinner, cereal was always acceptable. I use that more than anything now that I'm in college. When cafeteria food just doesn't look or taste good, cereal is always my go too. And ice cream too, but we don't tell mom and dad how often you let me have that.
Thank you for showing me that it was okay not to always be a lady. For so long you did everything for yourself. You gardened, you mowed, and you took care of the house. I truly think it's because you showed me it was okay to be like one of the boys that I am the way I am. Able to get down, dirty, and talk with the guys.
Thank you for teaching me how to bake. Making cookies with you are some of my best memories. That same bowl, the same ingredients, and always eating more dough than we should (no matter how bad it may be for us). And for showing me how to portion size with a regular spoon. I actually used that a few weeks ago.
Thank you for the passion for Iowa football. One of my earliest memories is of you screaming at the TV during a Hawkeye game and it scared the crap out of me. I remember dad telling me that as long as I didn't stand in front of the TV that you wouldn't be yelling at me, just the guys on the screen. It sounds a lot like me now. Passionately yelling at the TV, either calling them brilliant or stupid, as if they could actually hear me. Someday's I'm sure they can.
Thank you for being a role model in my faith journey. For taking us to church every Sunday we were with you, even if it was just because you wanted to show us off. It's because of those Sunday mornings that I love the church as much as I do. Well, that and the United Methodist Church is full of people just like you. But, between you and me, you still make the best cookies.
Most of all, thank you for being there to support me. For being there to tell me my dreams weren't crazy. That I could do anything I set my mind to. Like we said on the phone today, women have to fight for the positions that we hold. You never backed away from a fight. And I think I get that from you too.
I love you more than I could ever say. I cannot wait to see you again. I love talking to you, I love our conversations. Until I see you again.
