When it comes to growing up, oftentimes we attribute everything we have learned up until that point in our lives to the teachings of our parents. They do so much for us and are consistently there every day reminding you the do's and do not's of life. However, a lot of times our grandparents are such an integral part of who we become as we grow. A lot of times parents do the dirty work, such as punishments and scolding and maybe even a little bit of well-meaning nagging. As soon as you hear you're going to grandpa's house though, all bets are off. There seem to be no better string of words in the English language as a kid.

Along with knowing I was going to grandma's house, I was just as excited to see my grandpas. They truly spoiled me every second they got and made me feel special, despite how many other grandchildren they have. It filled my heart with joy every time I would run in the house and get swooped up but my grandpa as a little girl. I couldn't contain my laughter every time they joked around with me. I was always asked how I was doing, and I knew I could truly answer if I wasn't feeling up to par.

However, it breaks my heart to know that they are no longer with me. It came as a punch to the gut when one of my grandpas passed away the day after my 18th birthday, and my other grandpa followed a year later as I began college. It broke my heart when one of my grandpas was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and it will forever be burned into my memory when he couldn't remember who I was. It became a disease I so dearly hated, as well as a contributing factor to choosing my career path in neuroscience.

However, I don't want this to be a sad article. I do want to thank them for all they did for me.

Thank you to my grandpa for being one of the best men I've ever known. He always lit up a room. I had never heard of a person who didn't love him endlessly or didn't enjoy his company. He was always in a wonderful room and was the epitome of a fighter. He fought off cancer three times in his life. He trusted the Lord endlessly. He always called me Lady Bug and measured me on the wall each time I visited just because I insisted, always knowing that I probably didn't actually grow. He encouraged me and loved me so well and deeply. He came to my games whenever he could, no matter how he was feeling. He would pick me up and hold me up to the Buckeye tree in their backyard so I could pick the best Buckeyes. He would take my friends and me for wagon rides through the trail in their woods. He built as a tree house in their backyard. He made too many bonfires to count and always provided an endless supply of s'mores. He always laughed and always did all that he could for us. I can't thank him enough.

Thank you to my grandpa for giving me endless laughs, such as when he couldn't get the bubble blower he got for Secret Santa to work. Thank you for helping me to scrape together funds for trips and camps that I was fundraising for. Thank you for letting me crawl into your lap while you watched TV or letting me sit in your very favorite chair. Thank you for pulling for me continuously. Thank you for the help and advice. Thank you endlessly.

I miss you both every day. I think about you both very often. I hurt that you won't get to be there when I graduate college or get married, but I know you'll be watching over me anyways and cheering me on like you always do. I love you both endlessly.

Thank you for always showing me such an outpouring of love and for always reminding me how proud of my accomplishments you are. Thank you for continually supporting me in every way. Thank you for teaching me the manners of a lady, as well as how to knit and sew. Thank you for all that you did and continue to do for me.

I was undoubtedly a lucky gal growing up. Not only did I have wonderful parents, but my grandparents were just as great. There is absolutely no one like a grandpa that fills your head with knowledge and your heart with love. Be sure to visit them every chance you get, because you won't have them forever and they're truly gifts on Earth.