Dear Grandma Linda,

The hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life was to say goodbye to you. You were more than a grandmother to me; you were like my mom. You were there for me every step of the way, rooting for me. You watched me grow up. You changed my life.

I remember being young and running around your backyard, jumping in piles of leaves that you were so desperately trying to rake up.

I remember playing with Ginger, the best, most cuddly dog in the world.

I remember being young and sleeping at the end of your bed, because I was too afraid to sleep by myself.

I remember every blueberry bagel and Sunday morning orange juice.

I remember decorating the tree each Christmas and as I got older, digging out the decorations from the basement.

I remember making you a plastic bag Christmas reef and I remember seeing it hung up every Christmas, no matter how old I got.

I remember you and Grandpa Richard teaching me how to read and never complaining how many times I wanted to read Dr. Seuss’ One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish.

I remember each game of Candy Land and Clue.

I remember spending time with my dad because of you, and every little girl needs time with her father.

I remember you taking me to buy my first formal dress.

I remember you buying my first tennis racket and dropping me off at the movie theater on my first real date (little did we know, it would be with the man that would become my husband).

I remember when you took me down to Florida and when the pelican dropped a fish in the pool while we were swimming. Oh, how we both screamed.

I remember the pep talk you gave me when I started high school.

I remember you telling me it didn't matter where I came from, who my family was, or what life threw at me, I was going to be someone some day.

Grandma, more than memories, you gave me support. You gave me love and understanding. You gave me knowledge and taught me about growth. You showed me, by example, how to be a strong woman. You loved me unconditionally, and I hope you know that because of this, you gave me the tools I needed to be the best version of myself.

Grandma, you were not only my rock, but you were my motivation. Every day I carry a part of you with me through the love and memories that we shared.

I love you grandma, forever and always,

Lynda Lou