To those of you who have lost a loved one, and still may be grieving, I hope this brings you comfort. There are countless things we all wish we could thank our lost loved ones for. Whether it be for the small things such as baking cookies together or learning life lessons from our loved ones, we wish we could say thank you just one more time. They were our supporters, friends, and listeners. The loss of a person who is so special to you is incredibly hard to cope with, but we must remember all of the cherished memories and the important lessons they have taught us.

1. Thank you for being my biggest fan.

Every single time you saw me, you told me how beautiful inside and out I am. Then said, “You’re going to do big things one day.” Whenever I doubt myself, those words replay over and over in my head, giving me the confidence to reach my goals and never stop trying. Thank you for always believing in me.

2. Thank you for always having an open door.

Your house was home for the whole family. So many unforgettable memories were made in your house sitting together laughing. Your home was the meeting place for the family. From getting ready for dance recitals, to watching the hometown parades on the side walk. I knew I would never go hungry at your house! I will miss seeing you make hot cocoa, and scooping vanilla bean ice cream for me. Ringing your doorbell for fun, and sitting in your chair listening to you reading me “A Mother for Choco” as a child. Thank you for meeting me at the door with root beer, and our long talks each visit

3. Thank you for sharing your life stories with me.

I am not talking the stereotypical, “When I was your age,” stories. You shared stories of your travels and the hard times you over came. I could listen to you talk about going from a one room school house to high school, then to New York City to pursue fashion designing forever. Hearing you speak of how you lived on seven dollars a week living at the YMCA. Telling of your times making clothes for the Jackie Gleason Girls. Your travels to Africa, China, and Australia have sparked my wanderlust. The stories of you waiting to hear from your husband in WWII, only being able to read news paper headlines to gain information. Grandma you were so strong, determined, and adventurous. Thank you for showing my how life should be lived, in the moment.

4. Thank you for being strong.

Unfortunately, you had to go through some very tough times in your life. Being widowed young, you remained strong and held the family together even though you needed comfort most. I recall you saying, “I remember the first time I sang with friends after Grandpa passed away, I thought I would never sing again.” You cherished the memories you had, and taught your grandchildren what true love really is. You always had the best advice for me, I learned how to be optimistic when facing each obstacle in my life. Thank you for showing me how stay strong during tough times.

5. Thank you for the little things.

These are the moments that seem little but have made the biggest impact on my life. Whether it was letting me play dress up with the clothes from your lavished closet, teaching me how to Waltz, giving me hand painted cards each holiday and birthday (I will always keep them),or teaching me how to use chop sticks, sew buttons, and crochet. These are things I will always cherish, just thinking about these times brings back many treasured memories. Thank you for teaching me many lessons and that some of the littlest things can make the biggest impact.

There are not enough words to describe how much you mean to me. I am so grateful to have had you as my Great-Grandmother for my 18 years, cherishing every memory we made together. Having a great grandma truly is special. I am blessed to have been a part of a four generation family. I love and miss you with all my heart, knowing you are my guardian angel brings me peace.

XOXOXO,

Great Granddaughter

Cherish each and every moment you have with your grandparents because they will not be here forever. Visit them often, for they would do anything for you. There is no better listener than a grandparent, they are wise and will give you the exact advice you need at the time. Truly appreciate all they have done for you, and tell your loved ones you love them whenever you can.