As unconventional as I’ve been raised, I’ve been raised entirely by the right people. By unconventional, I mean - my mother was a single mother who raised myself, and my brother entirely on her own; with the help of my grandfather. As my grandfather replaced the father figure in my life, I owe most of who I am today, to him.

Grandpa,

You truly played an integral part of shaping who I am today. I’ve inherited many of your special talents, features, and qualities; including my love for cards, puzzles, and potatoes, my eyes, and my archaic work ethic. As you’ve not only left a mark on me and my childhood, you’ve become my inspiration in wanting to become the best version of me that’s possible. If it weren’t for you, I might still be complaining about standing on my feet for more than 5 hours, and I definitely wouldn’t be able to distinguish the difference between a Bulldozer and a Grader. If you hadn’t taken over the ‘Dad Role’ in my life, I never would have gone camping, I wouldn’t have learned how to plant potatoes, and I wouldn’t have been taught to value mini golf.

The example you have set as a grandfather is everlasting. I have come to appreciate every memory I have with you, and I have come to cherish all that I have learned from you. You have keenly demonstrated strength, kindness, and passion - all within the 15 years of life I spent with you.

Your role modelesque has taught me kindness. It has given me an outlook on laughter. You have taught me strength. You have opened my eyes to independence.

Thank you, Grandpa, for being the father figure in my life. You have filled a missing spot in my life, and I will be eternally grateful for you stepping up. Thank you for crying every time you saw my in a dress, thank you for verbally threatening to kill any guy who didn’t treat me correctly, and thank you for being the ideal role model that I needed. You have shown me how I should be treated, and provided me with the constant reminder that I should never settle.

Whether we were wrapping your most recent load of Vidalia Onions in newspaper, begging to know your secrets within cards, or getting frustrated at your failing hearing aids - each memory with you continues to reside within me.

Thank you for shaping me into who I am today.

I am so thankful to have known you. I wouldn't be who I am today without you.

Love,

Your Granddaughter