On April 26th, my maternal grandmother, who I called "Mamaw" died from a stroke or a heart attack.

I was in my last class of the day and the semester when I got a Facebook message from my cousin saying that Mamaw was in the hospital. My mom found her unresponsive hours before and Mamaw was airlifted to the hospital. Hours later, she was gone.

Because I was in class and two hours away with no car, I never got the chance to say goodbye to Mamaw. And that tears me up inside. So this article is dedicated to my mamaw and is a chance to share the words I would have said to her if I was there to say goodbye.

Dear Mamaw,

I want to start off this letter by saying that you were an awesome grandmother to me. You loved me no matter what I've done and never judged me for the awful things I have done. You were there for me when I didn't want to talk to mom and your house was a second home to me.

Coming in your house, I could leave my worldly burdens at the door and rest in your unconditional love. I knew that all conflicts between family never came into your house and I tried my best to keep it that way.

You and Papaw taught me numerous things that I kept with me to adulthood, such as knowing right from wrong. When I did something bad, Papaw would make sure I knew it. With Papaw's discipline and your unwavering love, my goal was to never make you or Papaw disappointed in me.

You and Papaw taught me that not all marriages end in divorce and that marriage is something worth pursuing. If I get married someday, I hope to have a marriage like yours.

Holidays were a sacred time at your house. I remember on Easters, we would hunt for eggs in your yard. Man, those were the good times. We would have lots of food during holidays and we never left the house hungry. Any family drama was never hashed out at your house.

You and Papaw also taught me that good things can happen with hard work. The land you own is a good example of that. Because of that, I am going to college to better myself.

You and Papaw also taught me that you don't need a lot of money to live happy lives. No matter where I go or do in life, I will never forget where I came from.

You and Papaw taught me to treat people with respect and love that only the Lord can provide.

I wish I could hug you and Papaw one more time and tell you guys how much I love you. I will miss you and Papaw, but I know that you are watching me from heaven and smiling at me with love. All I want to do in life is to make you and Papaw proud of me.

God gave me comfort with your death in that if I believe in Him and His son, I will be able to see you and Papaw again someday when I die.

With all the love in my heart,

Your grandson Matt