Losing a loved one is always hard, especially when you are a young age. I was seven years old when I lost my grandmother. My grandmother may not be here anymore, but the lessons she taught me will forever be close to my heart.

1. Always keep your mother close.

My grandmother had the strongest relationship with my mother. Their bond was unbreakable. They would do everything together. They were best friends. For some reason, this always stood out to me. Now that I am older, I know exactly why. Your mother will always be your biggest supporter in life not matter what you do. She will always stand by you no matter how tough life gets. She will become your best friend. One day, she will make an amazing grandmother that will spoil your kids to no end. That’s exactly what my grandmother did for me.

2. Cherish memories.

Memories are one of the only non-materialistic thing you have to honor a loved one. We should never forget a loved one who passed. I rarely go a day without thinking about my grandmother. I can be drinking coffee and think of her because we would always have a cup together. Do not think about what lead to their death. They would not want that. They would want you to think over every time they made you smile. Remember all the times your loved one made you laugh so hard you that cried. You can share these memories with others and the spirit of the loved ones can live forever in you heart.

3. Don’t let greed destroy your heart.

For whatever reasons, most people like to put money or material items as their number one most important thing. Greed is a powerful sin that can tear people apart. You can't bring money to the afterlife once you die. I would give away anything I ever got from my grandmother after she passed just to have one more day with her. Money is an ugly beast that will do anything in its power to hurt people. Do not let greed prevent you from being happy.

4. Always forgive.

Life is too short to live with a grudge. People make mistakes; it is a part of life. We need leave the past in the past and move on. It will be hard to forgive and you may have to be the bigger person, but in the long run it will pay off.

5. Love is the greatest gift you can give someone.

Regardless of what you’re doing or what you’ve done, love will always prosper. Not everyone can afford the newest iPhone, and that’s OK. You don’t need to buy someone the most expensive item to show you love and care for them. Just showing you care can improve a person's day.

My grandmother had a beautiful soul, and I know that she is smiling at me knowing that she helped pave the way for an amazing person to grow.