To the grandparents I never had the fortune of meeting:

I've heard lots about you all. I've seen the pictures, heard the stories, you name it. My parents loved you guys, and I'm pretty sure they miss you more and more each day.

I wish I could say the same, but sadly I never got to meet you all, and you have to know someone in order to miss them. I was really young when the last of you left this world.

To my dad's mom, I hear all of the time how much I look like you, which is such a compliment.

To my dad's dad, I hear how much you would've liked my personality. I wish I could have known yours.

To my mom's mom, you were struggling so much, I just hope you're living your best life in Heaven now, full of couponing and cute little dogs.

To my mom's dad, you left the earliest of all, but I know you are missed just as much, if not more.

You all sound like such incredible, strong, and independent people, who I am proud to hail from.

It seems so rare to be without grandparents. Everyone I know turns out to have at least one or two still living. They never know what to say when I tell them I don't have any still around. Everyone has their own way that they react to mortality. It's OK though. Just because you aren't all still around, doesn't mean I didn't learn anything from your existences.

I learned how to care about the little things just as much as the big things, and the big things just a little bit extra.

I learned how to appreciate my parents and all that they do for me every day, which is something not everyone knows how to do.

I learned to be me, for it's the best version of myself that I can be.

While I wish that I could've known you all and had you to lean on over the years, especially in my youth as an only child, I know that everything happens for a reason.

Thank you for all that you did to support my parents as they became who they are to this day, the parts of you whom I know.

With lots of love,

Your legacy, your one grandchild