Several years ago, I lost some of the most important people in my life; my grandparents. For many of us, our grandparents are our greatest role models who always show us unconditional love and support. They are our number one fans, and they live to see their children and us succeed. They are our protectors guiding us through our lives day after day.

I never knew anyone more caring and selfless than my grandmother, June or, as we called her, Mammaw. Her heart and soul were nothing but pure and filled with love for everyone, especially her grandchildren. When my family and I lost her, we lost a little piece of ourselves.

My Grandma Judy was a force to be reckoned with. Even in her later years, she was full of adventure and life. She lived for excitement and, of course, our family. When Grandma Judy was taken from our world, we lost another little piece of ourselves.

Now my Pappaw, or to everyone else Charles, he loved the outdoors. He was always outside gardening or trimming, and we could never get him to just sit still. When he was stricken with Alzheimer's, once again, our world changed. But the hardship didn't stop there. Within the same week of Grandma Judy's passing, Pappaw passed away, and we lost yet another piece of ourselves.

These people severely shaped the woman who I am today, and for most kids, this reigns true of their grandparents as well. For most, their grandparents are there for them until they are fully grown adults. Unfortunately, I do not fall under that category as my grandparents had all passed by the time I was in the eleventh grade.

My Mammaw, Pappaw, and Grandma Judy would never see me graduate high school, go to college, meet my boyfriend, graduate college, get married, or do anything else again. The memories we had made were suddenly the only memories we would ever had.

For those of us who have lost someone close to us, you know the hurt. You know that feeling you get when you think "man, I wish they were here to see this." But they start to be the reason why we carry on. We want to make them proud of the people who we become, and we know that they are still with us in our minds and hearts.

We can never go back. We can never have one more day. That's why it is important to cherish the days we have left with the people whom we love now. Don't waste a single minute and don't ever wait until tomorrow.

I believe my grandparents are still watching me and are with me. I work hard to succeed and to better myself because I want them to still smile and be proud of their granddaughter.

As I commemorate my grandparents and write them a letter enclosed at the end, I encourage those who have experienced loss to do the same. You'd be surprised how good it feels to write the words you have always wanted to say. You just have to believe that they will read them.

To my grandparents who I miss dearly:

I write to you to let you know that I am doing okay. Although I still hurt knowing that we will never share a moment together again, I am dealing with the pain and am making strides each day.

You weren't there to watch me graduate, but I would never had made it there if it weren't for you. You didn't get to see me off to college, but I never would have had the courage to come to a college in Florida if you hadn't believed in me all those years. You have missed a lot, but I am where I am today because of you.

For all of the great moments in my life yet to come, remember that you helped to create them. Your love, support, and caring words have pushed me to want to be like you. I want to be selfless, adventurous, caring, and so much more, just as you have showed me. You will live on as long as I am here.

You have left me quite some time ago, but I have never forgotten. I can still hear your laugh, picture you in the living room, and feel the warm embrace from your hugs and thousands of kisses. It hasn't gone away, and I won't let it fade.

You always used to worry about me and the rest of our family. Please know that you don't have to anymore. You made use strong, and you have shown us that with love and the support system of the family that it will all be okay.

For now, just know that I love you. I hope that I am making you proud and that I am turning into the person you always knew I would be.

You left us too soon, but I know you are safe and not in pain anymore. Please watch over me and continue to guide me, for I know you're still there. You're always on my mind and forever in my heart. I love you now, forever, and always.

Your granddaughter,

Katie