Every little girl needs a man in their life. One to encourage her and help her grow. This man not only protects her but will do anything for her, at any time. He is self-giving, caring, and smart. Although most of these jobs belong to fathers, mine belongs to somebody who is sometimes behind the scenes; my grandpa.

From day one, my grandpa was there. Scared to ‘break’ me, yet he still held me in his arms. It was a start of something special, he knew it right away, and I knew it as I began to grow older.

As the years passed, our bond grew greater and stronger. Up in the stands, third row from the bottom, I could always expect to see him there. Days when he didn’t feel so good, he would still manage to come to my games. He was, and still is my biggest fan.

Through helping me with my animals, to encouraging me through the rough patches in sports, he was always more than my grandpa, he was my best friend. I could always expect to see him park the van after school and watch me practice throwing. His words of encouragement might have seemed rough at times, but he always meant well. And he always got through to me, helping to make me better. It was just enough hard love to give me the motivation, to stick to what I did best.

Without my grandpa, I doubt I would be a college athlete. I honestly think I would have given up a long time ago. What kept me going was thinking about how excited my grandpa was when he would attend my events.

They were never just another day, they were always the days he looked forward to the most. His love and passion in all of the activities that I have had the chance to participate in gave me the drive to accomplish the highest of goals.With being so far away now, I hardly get to see my grandpa as much. However, with saying that, I can still feel his undying support from hours and miles away.

Grandpas are the foundation of a family. They are strong, mentally and physically. Their hearts can extend and touch the lives of all their grandchildren. They are known for spoiling their grandkids, and blessing them with the time that they have with them.

I consider my grandparents to be the very angels I need in my life. As grandkids, we are only given a short sum of years with them. I can’t thank God enough for the grandpa I was given. He is my rock when I am weak. I have only had the privilege of spending 20 years with my grandpa, but the other 60, I am sure, was full of hard work , memories, and love. Thank you for everything! You will forever be my favorite supporter.