Dear Grandma

I wrote these words to my grandmother right before she passed away. Though it has been many years, I still miss her. She was amazing. She is missed so much.

Dear Grandma,

I have stared at the blank piece of paper for sometime now. There many things I want to say, but I want to make sure that I say them right. It is hard to put into words all the feelings that you feel for someone that you love so much. But, I will give it my best shot.

First, it has been an amazing honor to have you as my grandma. I have so many memories of you that I will cherish all my life. I have not been able to visit as much as I would’ve liked, but I have always felt your love and how proud you are of me. It has given me great joy to make you proud over the years. I loved every time I had the chance to sing for you. It makes me smile because I know that it made you happy. I wish I would have been able to do it much more, but I know you enjoyed the times I did.

Next, thank you for the way that you’ve lived your life. I know that all our lives are connected. The choices that we make affects people we may not even know yet. You have made choices over the years that made my life possible. You are an amazing wife and awesome mother. You chose year after year to take care of your family and to provide for them. You made sacrifices to help your children grow and I’m grateful for that. I feel I have the best mother in the world and that is in large part to the way that you cared for her. The love that she’s given me over the years she learned from you. I can’t even begin to describe how grateful I am for your life.

I don’t know if I ever told you, but one of my favorite things about you are your hugs. Grandma hugs are some of the best the world. It never mattered how long had it been since we’ve seen each other, it always felt like coming home when you gave me a hug. I will miss them until the day I see you again. I expect a really big one then.

I know I am very fortunate to have had 35 years with my Grandma. Not long ago I looked at the pictures of you and mom giving me a bath just after I was born. You have always been a beautiful lady. It showed in those pictures as you were smiling from ear to ear at me. I remember the summers of Falls Creek and getting to be there before I was old enough because my grandma was the cook. The best cook I might add. Those are still some of my favorite summertime childhood memories. I loved every time I was at your house for Christmas or birthday and you would give me clothes. I would always try them on and you finally told me I didn’t have to try them on. It was just my way of letting you know how much I appreciated what you had given me. Plus, i loved getting new clothes. I also remember being at Falls Creek doing mission work and having to borrow large sum of money from you to make it through the summer. It made me feel so good to know you trusted me and knew that I would pay you back. I felt loved all my life. Thank you grandma.

It has also been a great joy to have been able to be married and have a son while you have been here to watch. Thank you for the way that you have Marixa feel so loved and so welcome. She considerers you her Grandma. I appreciate it so much. It has been such a joy to watch Trey and his GG. That boy loves you. It feels so good to know that he got to know you.

I will always carry your love in my heart forever. I promise, I will continue to make you proud. When I sing, I will sing for you. I love you Grandma and I always will.

David