Hi Grandma,

In the last four years I've thought of everything that I've wanted to tell you, but time got away from me and I never got the chance. How are you? I hope that you and grandpa and great grandpa are having the time of your life with God up there. I’m sure all of you look amazing. I’m happy you’re no longer hurting but I still miss you. I have no doubt that you look just as you did when you were a teenager, bright-eyed and ready for an adventure. There are a few things you may have missed in the past four years.

Our business became too much for Dad. You and I both watched it slowly tear him apart for almost 20 years. It was finally time for him to give it up. There is an apparent difference in his attitude and the way our family interacts with each other now. We are more like a family, we get to talk everyday without the stress of everyone getting the bags of ice that they need. He is now working part time maintenance for a job that he doesn’t particularly like but he makes due for us. You can see a difference in Mom too. They don’t fight anymore, which is a huge plus. She decided to pursue her work with the juvenile court system.

Codie left the air force last year and decided to join the Air Force National Guard. I know how proud you are of him as he is now attending Ohio State University studying international affairs and living life to the fullest just like you told all of us grand-kids to do. He lives in Columbus now, so it splits apart our family just a little bit.

You were the glue that kept us all together. I see the cousins every once in awhile. And guess what, I left the Dairy Queen. Shortly after graduation for Youngstown State, yes grandma, I finally graduated with my bachelors degree in a field that I love. I struggled during those long five years but I also had your voice in the back of my head saying that I could do it. And you know what? I did it. I was the first grandchild to graduate college. I hope I've made you proud. I have also found a church where I feel like family and I very gotten so involved in it. I know how much you loved people and I think you rubbed off on me because I have such a desire to be around and help people.

I met someone a couple years ago grandma, he's just as stubborn as me. You and I both know that that's hard to find. He's a little rough around the edges, but I know that you would have loved him upon meeting him. I wish you were still here. Dad misses you too, he just doesn't show it. We are making it through life as best we can. God knew it was your time even if we weren't ready. I'm always missing you and I'll continue to make you proud.

I'll love you forever I'll love you for always, as long as I'm living your granddaughter I will be.