Grandparents are such vital parts of everyone’s childhood. They raised your parents and now play the role in assisted your parents raise you. We may find them old fashion or boring but they have had the most experience on this planet and have so many lessons to teach. We never realize how much we have actually learned from our grandparents until after they have passed away. My grandmother was my last grandparent to pass away so she had the most impact on my life. I have about 13 years of memories with my grandmother and she still means the world to me. These are some things I wish I would have thanked her for being she passed.

Thank you for taking such good care of my mom and aunts.

Your beloved husband passed away so very young. My mother was only 12 when it happened on a family vacation to Disney World. You had to take on the role of mom and dad to your four daughters and I can only imagine how difficult that was for you. Being a parent of four can be extremely exhausting especially when they are all young and around the same age. You had to deal with crying, the arguments, preparing meals, school events, etc. You were there through all the milestones that make and create a happy childhood. All four of your daughters turned into strong, independent women who know what is best for them and will accept no less.

Thank you for caring for me the way you did.

I danced for a majority of my childhood and you were at every recital. Every school play I had even a minor role in, you were there, with a bouquet of flowers. Every birthday and holiday was so special with you. You made sure everyone had an equal amount of gifts, the dinner was always amazing and the laughs never stopped. Family parties was something I also looked forward to because going to your house made me happy. I loved seeing you so frequently and I loved getting to see the whole family at one time.

Thank you for showing me how strong you truly are.

Being diagnosed with cancer can bring on an enormous amount of emotion. When someone hears "you have cancer,” it can be assumed that your world feels like it is falling apart. Terminal illness doesn't just effect the patient, it affects the family and friends that have experienced life with the person suffering. You showed no sign of defeat, hopelessness or sadness. You should me that in times of trouble, you should still look on the bright side of things and keep smiling. I look up to you and envy your strength.

Appreciate your grandparents while they are still around. Everything they say will play an important role in the person you develop into. They want nothing but the best for you and their experiences will help guide you through your own life.