I wish I could go back to the days when I had my blonde, bouncy curls and I wore my velcro sandals because those were the days when life was simpler and you were here.

Grandpa, some of the best memories I have as a child was having the privilege to help you in the garden. You were so proud of your sun flowers that towered over your six foot frame. I loved running around in your backyard on hot summer days through the sprinkler. When I close my eyes, I can still remember how the water felt as it skimmed my face. I miss when you would cook for me. My favorite dinner at your house were your special hamburgers and french fries. Grandma and I would always giggle at the table as you ate your dinner because you never failed to get ketchup on your face. But you always said “I’m eating, I’ll get it when I’m done.”

My favorite memory that I connect to you was the playhouse that you built just for me. I can still remember the day that mom and dad told me that you had a surprise for me in the backyard. When we pulled into the driveway I was eager to get out of my car seat so that I could run to the backyard. I saw you standing there in your jeans and white T-shirt with the biggest smile on your face. I spent a lot of my childhood in that playhouse. As I got taller I remember having to bend over just to walk in the door, but it was my escape from the rest of the world. When I got older I realized how much hard work you had put into building that for me. I guess it makes sense why I felt so happy and safe in there; you put your heart into it and that means more to me than you’ll ever know.

Grandma, some of the best memories I have as a child were our sleepovers together. I loved when I would come for the day and the adventures never ended. I couldn’t wait for bedtime because I got to sleep in your bed, or so I called it the “big bed.” You and I would laugh as I handed grandpa his pillow and told him he had to sleep on the couch that night. He must not have been too mad though because he would still bring us popcorn and warm milk for our movie. I still remember hiding under the covers as you were getting ready for bed, waiting for you to find me. I remember the days where time seemed endless because we did so many things in just one day. I loved to play outside in my turtle sandbox and catch ladybugs. I would collect them in a little cage that I called “my ladybug house.” I loved to play with chalk and skip rope in your driveway. You always seemed to be so interested in anything that I ever did, which made me feel so special. I remember you smelling like sunscreen as you would take my hand to walk inside for lunch. For lunch you made us sandwiches with pickles on the side along with your famous lemonade; to this day nobody’s lemonade has even come close to comparison. We would always watch The Price is Right in the living room as we ate together. On commercial breaks you would have to refill my Dixie cup with more of your lemonade. When the show was back on I would yell to you to bring in the whole pitcher so that you didn't have to go back and forth. If that doesn't speak volumes about your lemonade, I don't know what does.

I miss holidays and birthdays the most with you two. We used to always go to your house for Thanksgiving and Christmas. You always made the family circle complete. Out of all the holidays I loved Christmas the most. After I would decorate the Christmas tree at our house I couldn’t wait to get over to your house and decorate yours too. Christmas morning you and grandpa would come over for breakfast and I would show you the presents I had gotten and model my new clothes for you. Christmas was definitely 10 times better with you and grandpa around.

As I got older I would still spend as much time at your house as I always had when I was younger. Even though I was a little too big for “the big bed” and slowly catching up to the size of the sunflowers, I wasn’t too big to come over and gossip with you about my day. We packed a lot of memories in the 11 years that I had with you and grandpa, although I really wish you hadn't left me when you did because you sure missed a lot. You missed my high school years of sporting events, award ceremonies, birthdays, the day I got my license, but most importantly the day I walked across the stage at my high school graduation.

Whenever I see sunflowers, or whenever I drink lemonade, you both are in my thoughts. I know you guys are looking down on me everyday and smiling, but I would give anything to have you both back in my life.

To the grandparents I lost too early. Thank you for being in my life and making the bouncy, blonde hair and velcro sandal days the best days of my life.