"Grandparents are a delightful blend of laughter, caring deeds, wonderful stories, and love."

I'll be the first to admit I'm beyond lucky. I was graced with a set of grandparents, who would do anything for me. Growing up, I thought it was normal to have the relationship I did with my grandparents. I got to see them everyday pretty much with no questions asked. It wasn't until I got older I realized that wasn't the case in a lot of families. A lot of kids only saw their grandparents on holidays and special occasions.

My grandparents have been there for me since the day I was born. They were their my first day of preschool school, my last day of high school, and every day in between. My grandfather was the one who taught me to drive when it became obvious my mother was too scared to do it. My grandmother taught me to be compassionate. I see so much of myself in my grandparents. They are both beyond stubborn, which they've graciously passed down to me. They are both caring towards animals and people. My grandfather has given me his road rage, so that's fun.

I wouldn't be me without them though. I've gotten to grow up being close to my grandparents. I got to hear all their stories and jokes. We don't always see eye to eye, but they do their best to see my point of view. I know that I can go to them with anything and they'll listen and give me advice. They've pushed me to go after my passions and not to settle for anything less than I deserve. They've been opened minded about what I want to do with my life, and for that I'm beyond thankful. They've been key pieces of my support system as I struggled through high school and moved on to college.

I didn't realize how much I would miss them when I left for Ball State. Now, I live that life where I only see them when I go home for vacations, and honestly I don't like it. I miss seeing them everyday and talking to them about how the day went. Phone calls are just not the same. I miss hearing my grandma talk about her essential oils. I miss my grandfather yelling at the t.v during a sporting event, even though I tell him multiple times that they cannot hear him from the television.

They've taught me so much in 19 years. They've done a lot for me, also. I don't think I've ever really told them how much I appreciate them, even with their bad jokes.

I love my grandparents more than words can describe. They mean the world to me. It terrifies me that one day there'll be a world without them in. I'm definitely going to take more time out of schedule to hang out with and spend quality time with. I feel like the only way to pay them back for they've done for me is to make sure with whatever I choose to do with my life that they are proud of me.