To My Hero,

(I know this is cliche, but) you are truly one of a kind. You have already made it through so many ups and downs, and unimaginable odds, and you still continue to prove people wrong every day. When you were very young your dad left your mom and the rest of your family to figure things out on your own. Your mom had to work multiple jobs, and you had to help care for your siblings. But despite how hard this should have made it for you to do normal things like other teenagers, you still went to school every day, and you graduated high school. You got your first real job when you were 15, as a bookkeeper for an accountant, and all the money you made you gave to your mom to put towards the bills and groceries.

You put yourself through college, one of the first in your family to go. That is truly impressive, and you came out with degrees in X and Y. You started a school for children with disabilities, so that kids in our community could get the services they needed and wouldn't be overlooked in the world of education.

You've been to the hospital more times than anyone I know. Multiple back surgeries, knee surgeries, and you've fought and conquered just about every strain of the common cold known to man. You don't know the meaning of the word "quit." It's not in your vocabulary; you don't do it. You will serve Christmas Eve dinner or so help you, God, you will die trying. Your selflessness and concern for the wellbeing of others never ceases to amaze me, and for as long as I can remember I've always looked up to you as the type person I want to strive to be in my lifetime.

Every day, without even realizing it, you are teaching not only me but everyone around you what it means to be strong, courageous, persistent, and caring. On your worst of days, when you are immobilized with pain, you're still worried about how everyone else is doing. Even when you are too sick to leave the house, you want to know what you can do to help others. I would be lucky to end up being half the person you are. Every day I feel more and more blessed to have you in my life, and every day I thank God for making you my grandmother. Betty Snapp, thank you for an amazing grandmother and influence in not only my life, but every life you touch, but more importantly, thank you for being my hero.