To the person who has been there through everything, this is for you.

I know I’ve already written you an open-letter, but this one is just for you. Everything I’ve wanted to say but am too emotional right now to say it. I have a lot to thank you for. I have a lot of memories I will carry in my mind when you leave us behind, and I thank you for that.

The earliest memory I remember is you teaching us in daycare how to paint Van Gogh sunflowers. Growing up you always shared your love for your favorite artists, and sunflowers. You had all the grandchildren’s artwork up on your walls as if we were your own. You were the best at supporting us, and always beaming with pride after a concert, or show choir performance.

I remember Freshman year of high school when I got cast as the lead I called you first. I was just about to get on the bus to go to your house, but I couldn’t hold it in. You were so proud of me. I can hear it in my head, “Way to go!” You are my biggest cheerleader for homework, getting into UMaine, and every role I’ve played on stage and off.

You were the person who introduced me to musicals, and musical theatre and told me I should do that when I grow up. Well, here I am doing exactly that. Seeing you in the audience made me smile every time and my nerves subsided every time. You bring me calm. You bring me comfort.

Thank you for making us get family pictures even though there is more than fifteen of us. It is always hectic, but you always laugh it off. Thank you for the traditions for Christmas, and Easter, and Thanksgiving. Even when you’re gone we will keep them going. Thank you for taking care of me during my first knee surgery, I know I wasn’t the best patient. Yet you had the best remedies: ice-cream, and musicals.

You are my very best friend. You have been my best friend for twenty-one years and you have been by my side through it all. Thank you for loving me for me. I’m a mess most of the time but you hug me and tell me, “I love you so much, Dear One.”

I know our time together is coming to an end, but I know if I said these words in person I’d crumble in front of you. I just love you so much and hate to see you go.

Thank you for fighting as long as you could fight. You lived longer than the doctor’s said you would, and I’ve enjoyed this past year and a half with you. Buying you flowers because they made me think of you, and fancy hats to dress you up in. I am blessed to have had you the time that you have been in my life. Many people don’t even know their grandmothers, and I am blessed to have had one, but also one who was my best friend.

“I know what it is like to be brought up with unconditional love. In my life that came from my grandmother.” -Andre Leon Talley