Grandparents are the quintessence of a person’s childhood. Most of my favorite childhood memories come from spending time with my grandma. Whenever I went to her house, I could always count on beating her at board games, watching the best movies, and eating so much junk food.

However, the older I got, the less time I had to spend with my grandma. I was able to hangout with new friends and try out different extracurricular activities but, I wasn't able to see my grandma as much.

Soon after this untimely realization, I noticed my grandma wasn't acting like her normal self. She would forget to turn off the stove or lock the door. She would start driving somewhere and get lost fairly quickly. It was weird seeing her act differently than what I was accustomed to.

Sadly, my grandma was diagnosed with Alzheimers. It was hard as a 10 year old to grasp what was happening to someone I had so much love for. I felt sorry for her and I wished more than anything that it wasn't real.

Fast forward eight years later to the present time, and my grandma is progressing into the severe stage of Alzheimer's. She needs help with almost every task, she can't hold a conversation, and she's unsure of what is happening around her. She has worse days than others that can be filled with excessive crying, violent outbursts, and severe drowsiness. It is extremely challenging to watch a family member go through this awful disease.

Sometimes on her better days you can see parts of her old self before the disease. Her face lights up when she's eating her favorite foods or when she is able to recognize her family and friends.

Although I don't wish this upon anyone, her diagnosis has taught me some valuable lessons.

1. "In sickness and in health" is a true testament.

2. Patience is the strongest virtue.

3. A guilty conscious can take over; but only if you let it.

4. To live your life to the fullest and never look back.

5. Life has a funny way of showing you what you're capable of accomplishing.

I am so thankful that I can cherish all the memories I have ever shared with my grandma. Wether they were made before her diagnosis or after, I know that she's still my grandma and always will be. Sometimes I wish I could go back in time to when Alzheimer's wasn't a part of her life and that she wouldn't have to suffer anymore. Even though my grandma may not be able to remember who I am now, I am able to remember who she is and the amazing opportunity I had of sharing a part of my life with her.