On the morning of West Chester University's biggest holiday, Homecoming, I received a text from my dad saying, "Granny joined Pop in Heaven at 3am." As my eyes fought to keep the tears from exploding, I realized that my last Great-Grandparent had passed away. I was obviously upset, but then soon realized that after 98.5 years and a lifetime of happiness and memories, I should have been crying happy tears. During my drive to and from Northeast Philadelphia, to be with my family, I could not help but reminisce on how lucky I am to have had a great-grandparent for twenty-one years and to have met six out of eight great-grandparents.

To my Eight Great-Grandparents,

I miss you all. I miss those of you that I was able to get to know and the ones that left before we were able to make memories together. Although I did not meet two of you, great-grandfathers, I feel as though I know you. You each make up 1/8 of my genetics so there are constant reminders of your Irish heritage. (That reminds me, thanks for the freckles and blue eyes!) There are so many stories shared, and you were both so loved by our family. My parents adored you and still talk about your larger-than-life personalities and reminisce about summers at the shore. I can visualize four of you, but only with the help of home videos, pictures, and stories. Although I was six-years-old and 75% of you were now gone, I still have a few memories and treasure the stories that are often told. But I did not feel a loss of no longer having six of you in my life, because I still had two of you, great-grandmothers, left.

The great-grandmothers that were still living had large enough personalities to make up for those that had previously passed. Two ladies that were born before the Roaring Twenties, large families, and enormous hearts. How lucky am I to have had ten years with you, G.G. and twenty-one years with you, Grandmom.

I miss my great-grandmothers that were at the center of every family function.

I miss the class and elegance that radiated when you both walked into a room.

I miss the constant singing and always having a playmate for Barbies at MomMom's house.

I miss the way you lit up when the Mummers were playing.

I miss the way that a line formed to say hello and good-bye to you.

I miss the stories from your younger years.

I miss the quick-witted and sarcastic comments.

I miss the holidays we shared.

I miss your brogue, Grandmom. It took me a decade to truly understand what you were saying, but my God, once I figured it out, we never stopped talking.

I miss the weekend visits with both of you, especially during your last months on Earth.

I miss the way that you both spoke the truth and let people know what was on your minds.

I miss your hugs and the way you would hold my hand while we talked.

I admired the way you knew what every member of your family was doing, at any given time. I admired how independent you both were and how you did not let your age or Cancer, stop you. Your sense of family and faithfulness were so important to you, and I strive to follow in your footsteps. You created large families full of successful grandchildren and enough great-grandchildren to keep your legacies alive. You would be so proud.

If there is one thing I could say to all of my great-grandparents, it would be thank you. Thank you for the memories we made. Thank you for the endless love and many laughs. Many people do not have the chance to meet any great-grandparents, and I was lucky to have great-grandparents that truly knew me deeper than on the surface level. We went on vacations together, shared stories, and had many visits. Thank you for life lessons on manners, heritage,and enjoying life to the fullest. Most of all, thank you for your children, my grandparents. My grandparents, that you raised, are very influential in my life and I do not know what I would do without them. Because of the devotion and love that you shared with your children, they have passed on the importance of family to all of us. Thank you for having me as one of your great-granddaughters, it has truly been an honor and a 'barrel of fun'.