Dear Grandma,

Nearly 20 years ago, you held me in your arms for the first time. As you might remember, I was a preemie. I was born a month early. Ever since that morning in June, you've never let me forget that I was once as small as a loaf of bread and that I now tower over you.

Our family has never been big on verbal expressions of affection, so I never knew how to say this, but you've been a prominent figure and role model for me and countless others. Although there has always been a slight language barrier between us, it’s never once made communication awkward or forced. You would always try and speak to me in English — maybe because you thought it was easier for me to understand or maybe you just wanted to practice your English. Either way, what you didn’t know was that I liked it when you spoke to me in Cantonese. That’s why I always asked you to switch languages mid-conversation. Even though Cantonese is no longer my primary language, conversing with you in it and hearing you speak your native tongue was always comforting to me. It was a part of my home that I couldn’t get at school.

I never imagined missing so much after leaving for college two years ago. Family dinners, birthday celebrations, and weekly visits were only a few of the things that I couldn’t be a part of any longer. They say that life is too short. I’m not quite sure who “they” are, but they’re right. In just one month, everything has changed. More than anything, I wish that I could’ve been home to spend more time with you.

While staying closer to home for college was more than appealing, I know that I would’ve regretted choosing a school that didn’t meet my academic standards. So, when I told you that I’d decided to go to Michigan, the first thing that you said to me was that as long as I’m happy, that’s all that matters. You didn’t once question my decision. I simply reassured you that it was a top university and, before I knew it, I was spending the majority of the year over 2000 miles away. However, of course, I had to come back five times per school year just to visit my favorite grandma.

You’re the strongest person who I know. During our weekly phone calls, I’d always remind you to call me whenever you wanted to talk and that if I didn’t answer, I’d call back at a later time. However, you never did because you claimed that you never wanted to bother me. It never would’ve been a bother. You’d also tell me never to worry about you. In fact, even when there was something to worry about, you’d tell Mom not to tell me about it. (She told me anyway.)

I need you to know that I will forever see you as the strongest, most loving person in the world, and nothing will ever change that. You’re a constant fighter and you’ve made that incredibly clear over this past month. Your drive, ambition, perseverance, and love for life and others are unparalleled. I hope to be even a fraction of the person who you are when I grow older. I am forever grateful for everything that you have done for me. None of it will be forgotten.

Love always,

Your Granddaughter