As I write this, it is Veteran's Day. I want to begin by saying I never forgot about you. In fact, I always feel down on this day because you left me too soon. I was only seven. I had so many questions for you as I matured and learned about WWII. I still have those questions but they'll have to wait. I know you couldn't help fade away but I need you.

You probably already know but I'm almost twenty. I've changed a lot from that little seven year old. There are things I know and things I don't know. I don't know if you noticed but I've been riding horses for quite some time now, I even have a horse named Christmas Eve. She's very special to me and I hope you watch over her too. I know great grandma loved animals so maybe with Eve's sixth sense, she'll meet her. I'm also in college now, studying writing, French, and film. I understand some of my great uncles were stationed in France so maybe they learned a bit. Maybe that's where I get my fascination with the culture from. I feel like I inherited some qualities from you. Your kindness, humor, strength, and your heart. Maybe that's the reason why I connected to you the most.

Being in school has been an experience so far, a good one. I made a lot of new friends, horses, professors, and I have a boyfriend. I'm happy sometimes, other times I don't know what I'm feeling. I need you at those times. I need your strength and non-judgemental qualities to be renewed in me. I know you physically can't be here (or can you?) but I just need to know you're there. I can't even begin to say how much I miss you. I found your obituary online and I broke down. It's happening again. Good thing I didn't write this in pen or else the ink would smudge. Ink and water really don't mix well. I remembered that you liked to fish and garden. I've never been fishing before and I would've loved for you to teach me.

I know I can never have you back but I'll visit you soon. I haven't been there since the funeral and I think it's time that I go back. I think about you all the time, especially at horse shows. Sometimes I wonder if you're watching. Also, the Avon Lake Wendy's closed down. I promise I'll keep you updated more often.

By writing this I want others to know that their great grandparents are just as important to them as any other family member, even if they've never met them. For me, I was so lucky to meet you and have that bond we still share today.