This is to me, or rather, this is to my grandfather. He recently passed away.

When I was young both of my parents would work all day; my mom would have to drop me off during the summer to my grandparent’s house. They would watch me, take care of me. My grandpa and I would always do things together. We would build Legos, play with toy cars, and watch movies together. He was big into movies; after he retired all he would do is sit in his rocking chair and watch them all day long. He also loved watching the Military Channel, History Channel, and the Science Channel.

I remember every summer morning like it was yesterday. The groggy good morning call the sun would give off with its brilliant rays. I used to cherish every last one of them. The birds would be chirping like crazy, reminding those who listened about the beauty of life. Regis and Kelly would be on in the background as my grandma and grandpa sat around to watch. Every day I would awake to a similar theme and every day I would love it all the same.

I will never forget one movie that my grandpa showed me one afternoon when it was just him and I. He told me to pick out the VHS tape of "Starship Troopers." Not knowing what it was, I searched quickly to find it. When I pulled the tape out I remember thinking, Wow, this looks cool -- there were guns and soldiers on the cover, so obviously my eight-year-old self was excited. I truly loved that movie; we must have watched it three times a week, a conservative guess. But as time moved forward memory of the movie’s name faded. All I was left with was memories of small pieces of the story, and of watching it with my grandpa.

Then, when I was 16, I found it again. It was perfect timing really. At that time I was a junior in high school with my heart and mind set on serving my country. I wanted to serve just as my grandfather and father did before me. However, it was also around that time when I realized I could write well. I began reading and writing as much as I could.

When I found out that "Starship Troopers" was a book, first, I had to read it. It was a novel by Robert Heinlein, whom I would later know as the best writer in his field -- ever. I wanted to write like him; I told myself, If I could be half as talented as him I would be happy. I wanted to change people’s lives as he had done through writing. I no longer wished to be a soldier. Everyone was happy about that, including my grandparents. They have always been very supportive of me, that I will never forget.

Now, three years later I am a published writer. I write weekly articles and I am working on my first novel. The people who surround me in my life all consider me to be intelligent, talented, and kind. But few people actually know where it originated. I surround myself with intelligent people, books, and documentaries. All of that is because of my grandpa.

He set the example for me in my early life, much like my father. In all my years of being with my grandparents every day of every summer, I have never wasted a day of it. I loved my grandpa and I love my grandma. They were so influential in whom I am today. Everything I aspire to be started with my grandpa.

But we all have regrets, and mine is simple: I was not fast enough. I wanted my grandpa to be there the day my first book was published. So he knows that he directly influenced it. I wanted my grandpa to be there for my college graduation. Hell, I wanted him to be there forever.

But I will live by his example; because he taught me something very important. I do not wish I was as talented as Robert Heinlein. No -- I wish that one day I have the opportunity to influence someone else’s life like he did in mine.

This is to John R. Deshler. May your memory be blessed.