Hi Grandma and Grandpa,

How's Heaven? I bet it's great up there. What's not great: Neither of you are on Earth with me anymore. It's been over five years since I last saw you, Grandma, and over a year since I said goodbye to you, Grandpa. I'm happy that you're finally together again, but this time under different circumstances. Neither of you know how much I've missed you. I still deny the fact that both of you are officially gone. It's slowly starting to hit me, and the pain still remains.

I was able to accomplish a lot even with the two of you in spirit. In fact, Grandma, the day after I found out you died, I played my last JV basketball game, all for you. I also went to my first prom, performed my last few marching band competitions, and graduated high school. It was hard to go through these milestones without you, Grandma.

Holidays weren't easy either. Easter was the first major holiday that I spent with the family without you. It was so surreal that you were not with us anymore. Thanksgiving and Christmas had a different feel as well. I wish you returned Grandma. I'll always wish you a happy birthday because it's so close to mine. Feb. 24 will always be a dark day for me. I know that you will always love me, forever and ever.

Grandpa, this past year has not been an easy one, let me tell you. I was crushed when my dad told me the tragic news. I had just passed a test in my cell biology class, I had just received one of my school's most prestigious awards, the C-Pin, where I have shown the most school spirit and have shown my involvement on campus, and I was having a movie night with my fellow music club members. Then, I got the call to go home immediately. And that was when my life shattered. I couldn't contain myself, I couldn't be happy. I went through the next day of classes knowing you had passed away. I missed a concert performance with my fellow clarinet ensemble, just so I said goodbye to you, because you mean more to me than a small performance. I did, however, perform at my school's spring concert the first day I came back to school after your funeral. I dedicated that performance to you, Grandpa!

I made the Dean's List that semester, as well as every semester after that. I just finished my junior year of college. My cousin got married, and the family and I spent Thanksgiving and Christmas without you. It was not easy to deal with, believe me.

Next May, I'm going to graduate college with two degrees, but not with my two beloved grandparents watching from the stands. I know that in spirit you both will be with me, but it's never going to be the same.

I never go a day without thinking about the two of you. You both have inspired me; Grandma it was for 17 years, Grandpa it was for 21 years. Whenever I see my mom or any of my three aunts, I know that there's a little bit of the both of you in them. And I know that among me and your other grandchildren and even your great-grandchildren, that we have an attribute of yours as well.

I will always love you Grandma and Grandpa!! You will forever be in my heart.

Love,

Your Amazing Granddaughter, Olivia, Your Little Olive