There are so many people who influence your life as you grow older. My grandparents had a very large part in molding me into the person I am today. They loved me unconditionally and wanted me to be happy above all else.

My grandma passed away in mid-January of this year, and my grandpa passed away in September of 2005. Over the last few weeks I have been noticing a lot of similarities between my grandma Virginia and a few of the women that come into the hospital I work at. I found myself thinking just how lucky I was to have them as my grandparents and reflected on the lessons they taught me.

They taught me to love fearlessly. Seeing the love they had for one another was something to strive for. They didn’t meet until they were older and already had children from previous marriages but you wouldn’t know it. They were like teenagers with a young love that would never die.

Grandma taught me to not let one heartbreak be the end of the world. I struggled for a while after a heartbreak, and grandpa wasn’t around for it but grandma was. She was right there hugging away the tears and assuring me everything was going to be okay, and she was right. She was there for me when I needed it most, and helped me pick myself back up. She said, "Regardless of how many broken hearts you have always keep your head up because the next one may be the one you are meant to be with."

I was taught to take pride in even the smallest accomplishments. They would shower me in praise for my grades, sports, and pretty much anything else I did. They always kept up with what I was doing and made sure everyone else was informed as well.

They both taught me the importance of family. They were known for their “wall of fame”. Every new picture they took or received of a family member, no matter how hideous you thought you looked, went straight on the fridge or pantry and was shown off to any and all company that came over. Grandpa Frank technically wasn’t my grandpa by blood, but he never acted like it. He was my grandpa when I was born and was when he passed away. I loved him even more for accepting me and the rest of my family as his without question.

Even though they are no longer here, they are always with me. They may not be able to see me experience things in my life anymore, but I like to think they are watching me together. I’ll always have them in my heart. I would give anything to have just one more day, one more conversation, and one more laugh with them. All I’m left with now are the memories and the lessons I learned. Love fearlessly and unconditionally, power through the hard times, praise yourself, and your family is forever.