My grandmother is 90-years-old and is an incredible woman. “Me-Me” has been an inspiration to me for as long as I can remember. Her parents immigrated to the United States and were proud of this country and the English language; they worked hard to provide for her and her five brothers and sisters. Her background made her the person she is today.

I know that Grandparent’s Day was last month, but here’s to you, “Me-Me:”

Thank you for showing me the true meaning of courage. When you were diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor three years ago, you quietly and with great strength accepted the diagnosis. You bravely faced brain surgery and more than 30 days of radiation treatments and never once complained.

Thank you for always celebrating every important milestone in my life and for making me feel like the most special person in the world.

Thank you for the special traditions that we share together, from dying Easter eggs to decorating our Christmas tree.

Thank you for being my most enthusiastic cheerleader even when I made mistakes at piano recitals, struck out in softball or couldn’t finish a cross country race because of an injury. I could always count on you to say the right words to make the disappointment go away; I still do.

Thank you for all the sweet gestures you do for me. The cards you send and the messages you write me mean more than you’ll ever know.

Thank you for sharing in my Michigan State school spirit, for being an unofficial Spartan and even decorating your yard with a Michigan State flag! You may not have had the opportunity to go to college, but you are one of the wisest people I know--I’m sure you would have been a Spartan if you could have gone to college!

Thank you for being a wonderful role model as a woman, mother and grandmother.

Thank you for being who you are, “Me-Me.” You’re the best.