Most people are lucky if they get to see their grandparents more than once a year. Some are not even lucky enough to get the chance to meet them.

Well, I guess by those standards it makes me one of the luckiest people in the world. You see, I have what some of you may call a "dysfunctional" family. And I don't mean that lightly. Things were not always great for me growing up, but I know they would have been so much worse if I didn't have my grandparents there to help. Because I had them to count on, I've gotten to experience so many wonderful things.

My grandparents provided a balance in life for me. Despite all the abnormalities in my life, I got to experience first hand what a more "normal" life was like. They didn't have to treat me like their own child, but they did. And then some.

They were there for every game, every concert, recital, practice, you name it. Let it be known that growing up, I wanted to try every club and every sport, only to realize that I wasn't very good at it and immediately quitting before it got too hard. I know it wasn't easy, but they continued to support me until I found the things I wanted to do.

I know it wasn't easy to raise another kid in their golden years of retirement, but I think we made a pretty good team. They taught me all the skills I'd need to know in life, and I'd like to think I reminded them it's okay to break the rules and have some fun every so often.

Because of them, I am dedicated, ambitious, outgoing, and everything I could have wanted to be. They inspired me to be my best. They didn't allow me to slack off in any way, shape, or form, and for that I am thankful. Sure, sometimes the way they pushed me to get good grades was stressful, but I am so thankful they were around to do that because now I'm a dedicated college student.

I am thankful for all the memories we've made together, and the ones my grandmother and I continue to make now that my grandfather is gone. I know we're making him proud.

I am thankful for the opportunities to travel they have given me.

I am thankful for the structure they have added to my life.

To those of you who are lucky enough to have grandparents in your life: talk to them every chance you get. Thank them for being there. Ask them questions. Tell them about your day. Never take them for granted.

To my grandparents,

You will never know how much I value what you have given me in life. Thank you for everything.