Dear Grandmom,

Mother's Day is a special holiday for many strong women all over the world. When thinking of you, three words come to mind: admirable, strong and giving. This time, I wanted to switch up the generic way of giving gifts with an open letter!

Over the years, I have admired your character and how you continue to nurture the loved ones surrounding you. Seeing a woman who owns the weight on her shoulders while remaining as beautiful as ever is a remarkable experience for me. No matter what happens, you always remember to think of others, and you should be rewarded every day — not to mention the way you carry yourself. The amount of poise and elegance you embody makes me so proud to say you are my grandmother. You are always so stylish, and I hope to remain as well dressed as you throughout my years!

A picture of you remains on the top shelf of my desk, and I look at it quite often. When people ask me who is sitting in that picture frame, I am always excited to tell them it's you. I tell them how indestructible and compassionate you are as a person. I also tell them how I am sure that I got most of my personality traits from you and Mommy. At that point, people understand how sincere and genuine you truly are, but also know not to cause trouble!

Regardless of how many days go by, it is amazing how you always remember to give back to others. You are amazing. Where would the world be without women like you? Before I come to back school, you make sure to get me what I need without me even asking. You always back me up when Mommy says no. You send groceries, bed linens, e-cards on birthdays and so much more. I appreciate that and need to appreciate you much more!

You are the prime example of how a woman should present herself. I hope the generations after you have made you proud. Both of your daughters have grown into beautiful women carrying on your qualities. I plan to carry on this generation of accomplished women, in which people will be able to look back on our history and take notice of how important we are. As I progress in my life, I aspire to take the things I've learned from watching you and share them with my future children as I do with my friends now.

I know I should call more often than I do, and email is not enough, but I do hope you know how much I love you. I appreciate everything you do. I thank you for all of the love and help you provided me with throughout my years. If it were not for you, I would not be the young woman I am today. I love you and wish you a Happy Mother's Day!

Love,

Khadijah