For Grandma and Papa Miller & Grandpa and Grandma Phinney;

For as long as I can remember, the love and support that I received from you all were more than I ever deserved. You were always there for me, and although this is the first year without having any of you to physically call, hug or talk to, I still know that the support is just as prominent in heaven than it was when you were still here. Although I never got to meet one of you, I will always hold all 4 of you near and dear to my heart forever.

Here's some things I want you to know! I’m almost halfway done with college. Can you believe it?! I’m doing everything that I love and I learned that all from you. I also finally got my license! I never thought I'd see the day either. And last but not least, I still haven't hit 5 feet. Another thing I want you to know is that now, more than ever, I appreciate you. Slowly, my life is revealing to me and allowing me to utilize the lessons that you’ve taught me. I’d do anything to see your name again on caller ID, to laugh at your jokes, to hug you, to listen to your stories.

You’ve taught me everything I need to know about being a good parent, grandparent and friend. You’ve displaying nothing less to me than patience and love and I will carry that wherever I go. I know you hear my prayers to you every night, and I know you still do the same for me just like you always told me you did. I distinctly remember hearing, "Bye sweetheart, I pray for you every night." And those words still comfort me today.

On every single holiday, you will all always cross my mind. You’ll cross my mind not only because I notice your absence and because I miss you, but because I am thankful for the memories I will always have of you. I miss the simplest things, but I’m also so thankful. I’m thankful for all of the extra set of eyes I have over me, I’m thankful for the love I received, I’m thankful for the memories and I’m thankful I even had you at all.

Merry Christmas to my favorite people.

Love, Julie.