I was very fortunate growing up to have been close to all of my grandparents. When I was in the fifth grade, my mom's mother passed away from pancreatic cancer, and it was very devastating to my family and I. After that, I made sure to never miss an opportunity to be with my grandparents. I was able to become very close with my mom's dad who I refer to as Grandaddy. Anyone who knows me knows how important this man is to me. I know most people think of their grandparents as the sweetest people under the sun, but I'm sorry to say my Grandaddy is actually the sweetest man to ever live.
My parents did a wonderful job of raising my brother and I, however, I learned so much from my Grandaddy that I will never forget. There is so much of me that came from him, and I will carry that with me for the rest of my life. My Grandaddy is truly one of my best friends; he and I can talk about anything and he will give me his honest opinion. I'll never forget after I completed my freshman year of college (which you all know I struggled greatly through) he told me he worried a great deal I wouldn't go back to college, but that he was so proud of me for pushing through. Anytime I've ever needed reassurance that I am on the right path, or days that I'm a little down in the dumps, I can just call him up and he'll make me feel like everything's okay.
I'll forever cherish the times that I would stay home sick from school or leave early, and he would come pick me up, then immediately drive us to Dunkin Donuts so we could get a coffee together. My Grandaddy never missed a sporting event, award night, or prom photo event. When I was in sixth grade, I lost the tip of my pinky in a door slamming incident and it was an extremely hard time for me at such a young age. I missed a lot of school due to surgeries and infections and my Grandaddy came over ever day to keep me company and watch Gilmore Girls all day. He also gave me a prayer card during this time and it has never left my side. To this day, I still carry that prayer card in my wallet wherever I go. I have been spoiled to have had the honor of having such an amazing and caring grandparent.
I currently have only my two grandfathers left — my dad's mom passed away my junior year of high school. The loss of my Mimi was equally as devastating as losing my Grandma. There is a certain place in your heart that only grandparents can fill. Always take the time to visit and call your grandparents. Unfortunately, they won't be here forever, and you'll want to really know them while they're here.
