As I was traveling to Buffalo, New York this weekend, I sat next to an older woman while we waited for our plane to board. We started talking and she had said she was going to visit her daughter, grandson, and great-granddaughter and that she makes this trip at least twice a year to see them. I shared with her how sweet that was and that my grandmother just passed away a couple of days ago and how I would love one more chance to have her visit. She told me that at 72, she still misses her grandmother every day. There's nothing that can match the unconditional love of a grandmother.
From the moment you're born, they dote on you and love you without hesitation. I was blessed with two amazing grandmothers for the last 21 years of my life and they both taught me more about love and life than I ever thought possible.
Grandma taught me that ice cream at 10:30 p.m. is totally okay and to always combine it with a few episodes of "NCIS" so you're up way past bedtime (just don't tell Mom!) and that having a sleepover and waking up at 4:00 a.m. to watch the Royal Wedding is worth your afternoon crash.
She taught me to always go to church on Sundays, no matter how tired you are or how angry you are at Mom, just go and you'll always feel better after.
She taught me that we all think Mom's the boss, but when Mom's not there, Grandma is queen --usually leading to you getting what Mom said you couldn't have.
She taught me that there will never be a better cook; whether cookies or the best fudge in the world, you never go to bed with an empty stomach at Grandma's house.
She taught me that a clean home is a happy home and never start your day with an unmade bed.
She taught me the value of a good old-fashioned phone call. They taught me how much it meant to them that I took the time to sit down, stop my crazy life and give them a ring.
She taught me to love my loved ones, even when they least deserved it. No family is free of flaws; never go to bed angry with them. Love them through it all because that's when they need it most.
And the sweet lady sitting next to me in the airport taught me that take every chance you can to visit with all of your family. No matter the cost, the time it takes or how exhausted you are, it's worth it.
I wouldn't trade the time I had with my grandmothers for the world and if I grow up to be just half the amazing women they were, I'll call that success.
