Dear Grandma,

My parents told me when I was ten years old that Santa Claus wasn't real. When I didn't believe them, I decided that I was going to ask you because you never lied to me. When I came over that night, instead of lying to me and telling me the hard truth, you told me what I wanted to hear. You always had a way of telling me things without hurting my feelings...That is, till I grew up. Now you openly tell me that my hair looks like a mess and I should never dye my hair a certain color because it would look bad. Thank you, Grandma. No, really, thank you. You always know what to say.

You always had food at your house while my parents' pantry was empty. I loved coming over because you would have my favorite tv-show on, you'd make me whatever I wanted, and then had a huge collection of gum ready for me to take home. You always remembered my favorite flavors of gum. Somehow you always remembered my favorite tv-show at the time as well. I don't think Mom or Dad ever knew my favorite things, my mind was always changing, yet somehow you always knew.

Thank you for introducing me to HGTV. I had never watched HGTV unless I was over at your house. You taught me to love fixer-upper shows and fashion shows. I blame you for my addiction to TLC, as well. You were very boisterous about how you felt about what those models were wearing, and most of the time I agreed.

You make me feel special, whenever I walk into the house you always get excited to see me. You are always ready to tell me the million different things you have on your mind. You take advantage of the fact that I offer to get you water and that I cut up apples for you, but that's okay. I look forward to seeing you every time, and I look forward to the fact that you look forward to it as well.

Even after all this time apart, you're still my best friend.

Love you always,

-Your granddaughter