While many people have a special relationship with their grandma, I'm convinced that mine puts everyone else's to shame. I can't begin to explain how much I admire her and appreciate the fact that she would truly do anything for me. Her selflessness and compassion towards her loved ones absolutely sets the bar and gives me something to strive towards.

She's been there for me when I need a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, or a buddy to peruse the mall with. She's there when something goes awry and I need a voice of reason as well as the person I casually text when something funny happens throughout my day. My grandma and I have shared a vacation and many dreams of doing it again. We've shared laughs over way too many dinner dates, but we're not ashamed.

She keeps me up to date on the latest drama going on back at home and I keep her updated on what's going on at school. When I feel like I'm stuck and no one else understands me, I run to her for guidance.

I know that I have been extremely blessed to have a grandma who gets to watch me grow as a person because not everyone gets that opportunity. I have been fortunate enough to build the strong relationship we have and can't imagine her being more than a phone call away whenever I need her.

As her first grandchild (and only granddaughter), I know I hold a special place in her heart and that we truly have something special. She has seen me in diapers all the way to a graduation gown and through it all, she's been my best friend. When I envision myself 50 years from now, I imagine myself as someone just like her.