For most teenagers, holidays mean family time, lots of food, and just cherishing the little things. But for the other teenagers, they don't always get the privilege of spending time with their family or even eating a full mean that fills their bellies. For some teenagers holidays is just spent with their parents, and siblings ( if they have any), and that's it, no other family is involved. For other teenagers, holidays are a HUGE deal; mom, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless other people are there. My family is one that holidays are a HUGE occasion because it's the only time where our whole family gets together and celebrates.

Growing up with both of my great grandparents on my maternal grandmother's side, plus both grandparents on my mom's side, you could say I was blessed, very very blessed. Having both of my great grandparents up until I was 17, really taught me a lot and made me realize that it's very rare for great grandparents to sill be alive once their great grandchild is born, let alone still be kicking until the grandchild is graduated high school. July 29, 2015 my family lost a very special man, and that man was my great grandpa.

My great grandpa's death really opened my eyes and made me realize how fortunate I was to have him all those years. His passing also made me realize that my grandparents really won't live forever, and that I should really cherish them everyday, but especially during the holidays. My grandparents are some of the greatest people I will ever have in my life, and I will never take that for granted.