My grandparents are the most amazing people I know. They are kind, caring, wise and incredibly authentic. They have gone from the people who brought me presents at Christmas and always kept my tummy full, to my biggest role models and my dearest friends.

Over the years, I have grown closer and closer to my grandparents and learned how truly special they are. They have taught me so much; I have seen how giving and loving they are, how much wisdom they hold, yet how humble they stay. And even though I was never cognitively internalizing these life principles, I can now see what extraordinary and amazing inspirations they are. I aspire to be the kind of people they are - to live with the simplicity, benevolence, and strength they encompass in everything they do.

My grandmother, the most gentle and thoughtful soul I know. Everything she does is done so carefully and with so much thought. She is such a sturdy and courageous woman, yet always represents composure with ease. She is elegant, in the way she speaks, walks and the manor in which she presents herself. Her humility is immeasurable - life isn’t all about her, in fact, she prefers to celebrate others. But most of all, she is loving. The woman throws love around like it's confetti to those who are fortunate enough to receive her devotion. She can find the good in anyone and any situation - it is astonishing her capacity for optimism.

She has taught me that to be truly beautiful, it is the down played qualities of beauty that are sustaining. Who you are internally is the marker of the entirety of who you are and the impact you can leave - that internal authenticity should be transparent to the outside. Your life does not have to be set upon pretenses. You are who you are and that does not change based on context. I have seen through her life experiences that some people are worthy of your love, and others are not. I have learned from her to be deliberate. To use each challenge life brings to positively refine yourself. Ant this will ultimately keep your life clear of negativity. Self- reflection is key, and to remind yourself to do it will keep your feet on the ground.

My grandfather. He is living proof that chivalry still exists. I have never seen a man treat a woman with as much respect as he does my grandma. It is beautiful and pure and says true love more than any words could ever. He is also incredibly smart, likewise, incredibly modest. the man has so much education; multiple degrees, a PhD, and he still takes classes, he has worked many different jobs, the list goes on and on. But you would never know talking to the somewhat clumsy man making witty jokes, drinking a beer, building his own man-cave in the basement.

He taught me to be disciplined - to work hard, and you'll get something out of it, even if it is not what you intended. Always keep in mind your ethics, be mindful of what is right and what is wrong, and act accordingly. But, even through the emphasis on hard work, he reminds me to always have a sense of humor. You have to be able to laugh, its the only was to get through this crazy thing called life in one piece. There is humor in almost every situation, you just have to find it. He also taught me one of the most valuable lessons I have ever learned - that it is okay not to know. Life is full of unexpected people and events, and to try to keep up with it all is only going to drive you crazy. Embracing the fact that you cannot and will not try to know and understand everything will bring you so much inner peace.

Together they have taught me that true love exists and what it is. They've shown me that it is so powerful and beautiful, but also unique and imperfect. A bond like what they have is something to never be taken for granted; it requires work, vulnerability, and understanding, but it is unquestionably worth it because it is fulfilling and is something that is only theirs.

They taught me that adventure is out there and you can have it, even if it seems out of reach - even if your dirt poor, unsure or scared. If you want to visit places, do it and pack food and camp. If you want to drop everything and live on a sailboat for 10 years, do it. If you want to retire in Maine, a place you love and that makes you happy, even though it's far away from your friends and family, do it (yes, they did all of this). Life is short and we are the biggest thief of our own happiness and capabilities.

They taught me that indulgence can be practical - to make use of what you have and you'll find so much gratification in it. When they were first married, they were very tight on money. So once a week they would get a cheap bottle of wine and the free cheese rinds that they usually throw away at the grocery store. They would end each day with a small glass of wine and whatever they could pick off the cheese ends and that would be their way to decompress and enjoy each other's company after a long day of work. It can be the littlest things that can be incredibly luxurious.

I am so grateful for my grandparents and everything they do for me. I cherish our friendship and love them with my whole heart. I only hope I can be as remarkable as them one day.

You can't beat the life lessons you learn from your grandparents. They are a key to knowledge and wisdom beyond anything you can get in a book or classroom - the real stuff that feeds into the realities of growing up and a fulfilling life.

Dedicated to my Grandma Bunny and Gar. I love you two so very much!