When people hear the term "grandmother," (or nana [nah-nah] in my case) they often think about a small and brittle old woman on the brink of death, but not me. You see, my nana is still rocking it and she looks fabulous while doing it.

My earliest memory of her that I can clearly remember is when I was seven. She lived in Rochester, New York at the time and my mother and I decided to visit. I was just reaching the stage where I could understand more complex ideas, so I really started to listen to what she had to say and I learned very quickly that she was wise.

Although it was only a visit and in a week's time I was back home, and my nana was just a past thought. Then, when I was twelve she came to live with us and the friendship began.

My nana is not like most, she's a classic rock lovin' cleaning machine (who will start dancing in a heartbeat if you sing "Baby Got Back") who also reads two books and solves at least a dozen crossword puzzles a day.

Most nights, I would stay in her room and our bond grew. One of my fondest memories is on New Year's Eve. My dad and I camped out in her room with her and Kit Kat (her old and very shy cat). The whole night we played music and danced around. My father had the bright idea of having me teach Nana the hottest dance trend back then: Gangnam style. She went right along with it even though it was hurting her because it made me happy.

Then, disaster struck following that new year when our house burnt down. She was my rock. She wasn't hovering, but she was there when I needed her. I don't know how I would've made it without any more anxiety attacks than I had if she hadn't had a jam session (or a few) with me on the way to school.

Sadly, she left, and I don't get to see her much but she's back in New York. She surprised me for my sixteenth birthday and I had never been happier. I had my Nana back. It was more talking, introducing her to "Teen Wolf," and reading all day. She was also my bunkmate which I didn't mind at all. She stayed for a month and I wish she didn't go.

I'm a lot like my Nana. I love classic rock. I love to read and I'm always shaking my rump to a tune, but I aspire to try to be half the woman she is and be the best friend to my future grandchildren because she's mine. I wouldn't be who I am without her and I wouldn't be about to graduate and go to college without her help.

So, Nana, I know you are reading so I want to say thank you for being you and teaching me so much. You'll always be my 'up on Mexican' Nana who is also my best friend. I can't wait to see you and make you proud by walking across the stage and stepping into the new chapter of my life. I love you.