Letter to Grandma

Usually, when emotional things happen to me, all I want to do is write. Since April 11, I haven't felt much like writing at all. So, I wanted to share a letter that I wrote to my grandmother eight years ago. I think it helps show what she meant to me, and how much I'm going to miss her. I'm so glad that I had the chance to give her this letter, and to tell her often how much she meant to me. These feelings are even stronger now that I am a mother. Now, I have such an appreciation for what she did to raise her children, and even more love for her after seeing how much she loved Kyran and Karyssa.

Grandma,

There are a million things I’ve always wanted to tell you.  I figured now was as good a time as any to start. 

First of all, I want you to know how much I love you.  You have been such an inspiration in my life. 

You were the only person I felt safe with as a child when my parents left me. 

I remember your house on holidays and birthdays. 

I remember the sand pile that was delivered on my birthday.  We had so much fun making ourselves into “Kentucky Fried People” and building sand castles in it. 

I remember the rainbow picnic table that you had painted because I loved rainbows so much. 

I remember my rainbow cake, and all the other cakes and meals that you prepared for us during my life. 

I remember swimming, swinging in the hammock, taking the canoe out when we were old enough, and so many other things from my childhood.

Then I became a teenager, and you were not only my grandmother, you were my teacher, my mentor and my friend. 

You are the reason that I do so many of the things I love. 

Because of you, I tried out for color guard when I was 13.  Twelve years later, I’m still spinning and teaching!  Two of the greatest summers of my life were marching drum corps.  I would not have had that experience if you hadn’t encouraged me to audition. 

And, of course, there was the ADAPT club.  Being part of that club gave me so much self-confidence, and through you, I met people who believed in me almost as much as you did.  I began speaking at press conferences and realized that public relations was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. 

I made so many friends through band, ADAPT and Fighting Back, some that I am still good friends with today.  If it hadn’t been for your encouragement and belief in my abilities, I would not be the person I am today. 

And I know now, just as I always have, that you are so proud of that person. 

For so many years, I have been so proud to call you my grandmother.  At TI and TLC, where everyone is crazy about you, I was lucky enough to be related to you.  I am part of you.  I am your flesh and blood and that alone made me a better person. 

Your pride in me has always made me feel so special. 

You have been such a strong and steady role model for me all my life.  I look to you for so much.  You have set such a good example for me and so many others.  Your faith and conviction are incredible. 

You raised my father to be a wonderful and intelligent person and loving father.  You helped my mother grow from a teenager into the amazing woman that she is today.  And the three of you have been the biggest influences in my life. 

Your love has touched more people than you will ever realize. 

Grandma, I just want you to know today and always that you are so important to me. 

Having your love and support makes me always strive to be a better person. 

To be like you. 

In every way I can.

I love you always and forever!

Your blessed granddaughter,

Talyse