Grandma:

Tomorrow you turn 95 years young, and I’ve been thinking about you a lot the last few days and what a blessing you’ve been to my life.

There isn’t a time I don’t remember you being here for me. Even though you have tons of grandkids, we’ve always had a special bond. Even now, I can call you and simply say “Hey, Grandma,” and you immediately know it’s me. The best part of my week is talking to you. Just a few minutes in your presence always seems to make everything alright. Seeing your eyes light up when you see me brings tears to my eyes every single time.

Momma has been gone 21 years now, and although I miss her dearly, having you, Aunt Rosie and Aunt Punk and Aunt Carolyn with me allows me to hold on to a piece of her, and it has kept me connected to her through the years. I thank you for standing in the gap.

You’ve always encouraged me. When I stretched my wings and moved away, we kept in touch, and you even came to visit me when I lived in New York, despite your concerns about the big city and the dangers it held.

I’ve watched you handle the death of two of your daughters, your identical twin sister and your husband with dignity and grace and a strength I can’t even imagine. You’ve taught me that love doesn’t have to be long to be lasting and that my daughter doesn’t have to have the best of everything, but I should strive to give her my best.

You tell me often how proud you are of me and my accomplishments. I hope you know that I’m just as proud of you. I thank you for the blessing you are and continue to be in my life.

I love you, and every day, I’m striving to keep making you proud.

Sham