Dear Grandma and Grandpa (Nanny & Pop),

To simply say that I miss you is such an understatement. It is hard to wrap my mind around the fact that both of you are gone. It doesn't seem like reality that you are gone, because reality always involved both of you here with us.

Some days, it still seems like a horrible nightmare; I just have to wake up and you'll be back home. But it comforts me knowing you both are free of pain and together in heaven.

You were always more than just grandparents to me. You both shaped me into the person I am today. You both inspired me and pushed me to the next level to better myself. I will always tell people that the two of you played such a big role in my life growing up.

I could have not asked for better grandparents. I really couldn't.

Grandma, you were my ultimate best friend. There was never a day when we weren't together. You took me shopping, out to dinner, to parties you were invited to, to rehab and, of course, on our ice cream dates. Our sleepovers were always so much fun, from the day I started sleeping there when I was young up until the last time I slept over at age 15.

You spoiled me like no other. If I was with you or Pop, I always got what I wanted. So many places will forever remind me of you and our memories together. I would never want to trade my time with you to hang out with my friends.

You have impacted my life in more ways than you will ever know.

Pop, you were such a kind-hearted man. I was one of the many that you provided for. There really was never a time when you said no, to me or anyone else. You were always the first to give me money for something I wanted or needed. You were the first to take me to the park or to go get a Slurpee.

Everything you didn't want to do, you always did it anyway. You were always the first to offer something as soon as someone walked into the house. I give you complete responsibility for paying for my pitching lessons, teaching me how to drive, buying my nursing textbooks and being the best grandfather you could ever be.

I have talked to all my cousins and asked them how our grandparents impacted their lives for the better. Here is what they said:

"I am the oldest grandchild in the Sessa family. My Nan and Pop were the old-school grandparents who welcomed anyone into their house. My Nan was always someone I could talk to about life and get advice from, without any questions or judgments. My Pop, well, he was the fat, loud Italian guy yelling at the television — whether it was the Eagles or the Phillies. I was fortunate enough to spend over 25 years with both of them. They both made my childhood full of laughter in the backyard pool, and during the huge family whiffle ball games in the front yard. They always made sure to fill my belly with cookies when they knew I was coming over." — M. Sessa III , 27

"The wisdom and life lessons I was able to gain and learn from Nanny and Pop throughout the years helped guide me through life. I'll never forget Pop reminding me that, 'When you stop learning where you are, and there is nothing else to learn, it is time to move on.' Nanny and I had a special bond that I wouldn't trade for the world. Just sitting next to her without her speaking made everything seem OK, no matter what was going on in my life at the time." — L. Sessa, 25

"They showed me the true meaning of family. They were both able to bring us together and teach us the value of loyalty, kindness and love. On a simpler note, they taught us to never cross the street without looking both ways." — L. Sessa, 21

"Nan and Pop are the reason for my deep-rooted values of family. They had a special kind of love that lasts. They helped bring us up. I attribute all my values of family and love to them, and because of that, I will forever be thankful." — K. Sessa-Sarver, 20

"They taught me how to be a kid and how to make the most of my life. They were always there for any sporting event I had. They were always there to put a smile on my face. I miss them all the time. I miss watching the Phillies with my Nanny and hearing Pop yell about the Phillies." — M.White, 19

"They always gave me everything I needed, and they always supported me through the toughest of times I had. When I was nine years old and I broke my hip, they were always there to help me and guide me, physically and emotionally. When I turned 14, I got a hip replacement, and there was nothing they wouldn't do for me." — M. White, 19

"Honestly, Nan and Pop gave me unconditional love. I always knew that if I ever had a problem, they would be there for me. Anything from school, to being sick, to sports — really, anything you can think of — they would help me with. I just hope I can put together a family that is as special as they did. They are two of the biggest role models I've ever had in my life, and, for that, I just do my best to make them proud of everything I do." — T. Sessa-Reeves, 19

"My grandparents are completely responsible for shaping me into who I am today. I can't say I would be the person I am today if we never crossed paths. Their wisdom and guidance helped me out with many tough choices. They were the grandparents you absolutely loved to spend time with. They made our family completely whole. It is kind of sad, but the truth is, since they died, our family seems like it is slipping away. I will go months without talking to my cousins, aunts or uncles. I personally miss them each and every day, and life won't ever feel fulfilling without them. But I know I have the best guardian angels watching over me, each and every single day." — O. White, 17

"They impacted my life through the showers of love they would give me, allowing me, to this day, to be confident.'' — M. Sessa, 16

"They were always there for me since I was born, and I always felt safe and loved around them." — C. Sarver, 11

"They always showered me with love, and they were the first people I would tell if something good happened to me.'' —J. Sarver, 9

"Nanny always fed me and shared her food with me, and Pop always told me how much he loved me." — R. McGettigan, 4

Every single day, I try to make you both proud, and I really hope that I am. I am living my best life, doing things for myself, being super independent and following my dreams — just how you both wanted me to. Thank you for teaching me everything I should know. Thank you for showing me what true love looks like because, with you both, I have seen it every single day.

My grandparents were always there for me, their children and their grandchildren. There was never a day we went without love or support from them. They both built our whole family and taught all of us how to be strong and independent. They showed us every day how to put family first.

I have comfort knowing that my angels walk beside me every single day and that their love is guiding me.

We all have been blessed knowing you both, and we have been blessed to learn from you both. I will forever cherish each and every memory. Because of you, I am a strong person, a grateful person and a kind person. There is not a day that goes by that you both are not on my mind. You both are people I aspire to be like as my journey keeps going forward.

I love you both, always.

Nanny, Me, PopOlivia White