Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

All my life you have been by my side. You have both pushed me to be my best and have never let me doubt myself. You’ve always reminded me that I can achieve anything I set my mind to and to never give up. I know I don’t say it enough, but thank you.

Thank you for the countless times you have believed in me. I remember acting in one of my first plays and I was so nervous. It was only a week long Missoula Children Theater production, but it was my first time playing a lead. I snuck a look from behind the curtain and I just remember seeing you both there in the front row, looking through your programs. I don’t think you saw me, but I knew how proud you were just from the way you both looked. Right then and there I knew that I could do it. Seeing you both gave me the reassurance that I needed.

Thank you for supporting every single activity I was in. You came to tennis and bowling matches, singing performances and plays, volleyball games, dance recitals, and the football games just for my half time performances. You were always my biggest fans and supporters. You always offered words of encouragement when I needed them the most.

You never failed to help me rebuild my self-esteem when I was feeling low. Whether it was Grandpa’s advice of “It could be a lot worse, you weren’t in Vietnam” or Grandma’s advice of “Everything happens for a reason,” you both never failed to make me smile. Both of your sayings have always been on constant repeat in my mind as I am trying to figure out this thing called life. Because of you both, I learned that some people aren’t as lucky as I am and that somehow, everything works out.

Grandpa, thank you for all of your life lessons. Thank you for teaching me to never take life for granted or too seriously. You have no idea how much I appreciate all of the advice, the stories, and the jokes that were not appropriate for my age at all. Thank you for being on my side when my sister and I fought and for always reminding me that you don’t have a favorite (even though we both know it’s me).

Grandma, thank you for being one of my best friends since day one. You have always reminded me to “just breathe” when things get tough and to never back down from a challenge. I love how I can call you at any time and you’re always willing to listen to me vent, no matter what time it is or how long you’ve already been asleep. I love following in your footsteps. Spending so much time in your classroom growing up was one of the best parts of my childhood. You’re the reason I want to become a teacher, so I can influence the future generation, just like you did.

I love you both so much. I know you say that you love me more, but I honestly don’t think that that is possible. You both have taught me so much in just 20 short years; I can’t wait to see what you keep teaching me. I hope that one day I can be half the parent/grandparent you both are. Please know that my words won’t do my feelings justice, but I hope you start to get an idea of how thankful I am for you both!

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Your Favorite Grandchild