Throughout my life, I have come in contact with a lot of people who have become my friends. Some of these people were in my life for a short time, while some are still extremely important to me. However, from the moment I was born there was someone who I instantly connected with and the bond has only strengthened over the years. This person is my go-to, my right-hand-man, my superhero. My family and friends who know me extremely well know that he is probably the most important person in my life (aside from my parents): My grandfather.

The influence my grandfather has on me is unlike anyone else I know. Without him, I might never have walked because he is the one who taught me. One day he just sat me on the deck in my backyard and looked in my eyes and said we weren't leaving until I was walking. A few years later, when my dad was working and it was a warm and sunny afternoon, my grandfather was the one who finally propped me up on my bike and watched as my face lit up when I finally pedaled my way to the light pole at the end of my street. For my high school graduation, my grandfather was originally not going to be able to make it. With my grandmother sick, he was concerned that something would happen while he was gone. However, with some help from my aunt who offered to stay back to watch her, he made it. Tears of happiness fell down my face as I smiled at him when I grabbed my diploma.

So grandpa, I guess this letter is here to not only explain to others your influence on me, but also to thank you. Thank you for helping me believe in myself when I thought I could not do something. Thank you for reminding me I am worthy of love and, even in times of heartbreak, there will be healing. You have never lied to me, you told me the truth even when it wasn't always so easy to hear. Thank you for teaching me all that you can and reminding me that my generation is important and we have a powerful say about what goes on in this world. The way you loved Meema gave me a model of how I want my future husband to be.

I've always been a firm believer that a soulmate is not necessarily someone you are dating. A soulmate could very well be your boyfriend or girlfriend, but it could also be a friend or family member. Urban Dictionary describes a soulmate as: "A person with whom you have an immediate connection the moment you meet -- a connection so strong that you are drawn to them in a way you have never experienced before. As this connection develops over time, you experience a love so deep, strong and complex, you begin to doubt that you have ever truly loved anyone prior. Your soulmate understands and connects with you in every way and on every level, which brings a sense of peace, calmness and happiness when you are around them. And when you are not around them, you are all that much more aware of the harshness of life, and how bonding with another person in this way is the most significant and satisfying thing you will experience in your lifetime. You are also all that much aware of the beauty in life, because you have been given a great gift and will always be thankful." Thank you grandpa, for being my soulmate.