Dear Grandma,

I wish I knew you more before you passed on. I’m not entirely sure how old I was when you died. I think I was 7, but regardless, it was too long ago to remember. I remember my mom driving my sister and I to the hospital when we heard the news. My mom left us in the car in the parking structure to rush to your hospital bed. I was too young to understand what was happening, so I didn’t feel much emotion, but now, over 8 years later, I often find myself thinking about you and the wonderful legacy you left behind.

I’ve seen pictures of you and I together as a baby. It’s hard to believe that I often times forget about all of those timeless moments of my young life. My mom tells us stories about how you and grandpa fell in love, and it inspires me to try and be the best I can for my girlfriend. I wish you were able to meet her. She’s wonderful. I know you’d be proud of me if you were here. I find myself in situations that question my morals, but then I think about how you’re always watching me, and I always do the right thing. 

You are the reason for my strong integrity, my endless compassion and my respectful doings. It’s been so many years, and grandpa still thinks about you. It tears me apart to think about how lonely he is now that you’re gone. I’m starting to cry, so I’m gonna end this with the parting message I wish I gave you that terrible day.                       

I love you.

Spencer, age 15