When I look back on old photographs I see two people missing, two people I never had. See when I was born I had already lost both my granddads. I never knew them, although I wish I had. But I had two amazing women holding me tight, one was my Nana, from my dad's side, and the other was my Mamaw, from my mother's side. These women have been so influential in my life, from that first moment I was in their sights.
My Nana is something spectacular that is for sure, strong, intelligent, and a love so pure. That is not all she is of course, but a list like that would never end. She instilled in me my love for knowledge, books, crossword puzzles (some of my favorite times are waking up in the morning to do them with her), and her love of travel. I adore the times we would walk on the beach and talk for hours. She filled me with stories of her childhood, I could listen to those for hours. She has shown me what strength looks like and taught me the importance of family time. Sitting around the table, playing Scrabble, or testing our knowledge in Trivial Pursuit, it never mattered the game, she was always on my team! She has a hug that will linger long after it has ended and a love that carries no matter the distance. The most important thing my Nana taught me is that it is okay to be different than everybody else and to have strength to just be myself. That is a lesson I will always remember, because it came from a woman I will cherish forever.
My Mamaw is just as wonderful, but in her own way. She is kind, patient, and has a heart of gold. She too has a list of amazing characteristics that could just go and go. She has taught me to be kind to everyone no matter who they are, to be patient in times that are rough, and to love even when that is tough. I adore spending time with her on Sunday afternoons, getting pedicures, or going to the zoo. She makes me smile the way she will just bump me while my head is down. I look up to her mouthing the words, "I love you" and I no longer want to frown. She has a strength that very few see, it is like Thomas the train, she just keeps going and going. She sees the best in all situations and has taught me that very valuable lesson.
Both of these women are something to adore. They carry themselves with dignity, respect, and so much more. They both have impacted my life in more ways than I can think to name. Both gave me tools that I carry with me still to this day. Both give me love that will never fade. I know that no matter the mistakes I make in my life, they will always be by my side. I am truly the luckiest girl alive, even if I never looked into my grandfathers' eyes, because I have these two magnificent, dazzling, sensational, women in my life.
