I'd like to start off by saying, "Wow!!" You lived to be 96 years old. I was always kind of hoping you would make it to triple digits, but God saw otherwise. He knew the pain you were in and how weak your body had become. Nonetheless, not many can say they lived until their late 90s? You definitely had a blessed 96 years, and I hope I will be able to live that long as well.

While I miss you, I saw how rough the past few months were on you. The last time I saw you was the day before you died, and you were not living. You were only existing. You were not the Grandma I had grown up with, or the one I had spent the past 3 summers with. As much as I wish you were still here, I know that it is incredibly selfish of me to think that. You needed rest from all that your weakened body was putting you through, and the Lord's way of providing that rest was by calling you to your eternal Home. I cannot help but smile when I think of how happy you must be right now. You never have to endure pain or sadness again.

It's so wonderful to be able to smile at so many memories. Going to your house growing up was so much fun. You always made sure we had a snack if we were hungry, and it was so important to you that everyone was comfortable. Selflessness is a dying trait in today's culture, but it is one of the top characteristics I use to describe you to other people.

I enjoyed all the family Christmases at your house as well. You would always have your ceramic Christmas tree that you had made sitting on top of your fireplace, and you would always tell me that you made it. I was never annoyed hearing it multiple times though. I could tell it was something you were proud of. Again, you always made sure everyone got plenty to eat. You always made sure everyone was full, even with the challenge of 3 teenage grandsons who happened to be athletes.

It was a privilege to have been able to stay with you during the summer. Whether it was having ice cream by the river, picking up groceries at the store, or fixing lunch, it was time well spent. You and I played several games of Bingo and Farkle, which you often beat me at both. You were always good at Bingo, whether it be with me or at the senior citizens center.

It was neat that you moved to Barboursville the same week I moved into my first apartment. It was the beginning of a new chapter for both of us. I honestly do wish I had been able to visit with you more, but I never saw you get angry. You were always very understanding, and I am glad I visited when I did.

When I watch TV, it's typically not going to be the sports channel. However, I did enjoy watching baseball and basketball with you. Talking about the game with you made it more enjoyable. I also loved hearing about everything that was going on at the assisted care facility you were at. I loved the fact that you were getting involved and meeting new people.

You always were a people watcher. You knew a lot of people and had a lot of solid friendships, but you also did a lot of observing. I have found myself observing situations as well over the years. Maybe this is where I learned it from.

You were always proud of me, even if there wasn't much to be proud of. Whenever I would be discouraged with school or life, you would encourage me to not be so hard on myself. You knew that that is something I'm not good at. You always said that you wanted to be here to watch me graduate college. That is something I have thought about the past few days. It breaks my heart knowing that you died 3 months before I received my bachelor's degree, but God's timing is always perfect. You'll have the best seat in the house, alongside Grandpa.

Overall, I miss you, but I also know you were ready to go. You had a blessed life, and I am thankful that I was a part of it. I'll always cherish the memories, and I'm thankful this isn't goodbye. Meet me at the pearly gates someday when my race has been run. Until then, I love you.