Whether you're lucky enough to still have your grandma around or are a grandma yourself, these are the things we think every family matriarch deserves to hear.
1. It means everything to me that you still have those arts and crafts projects I gifted you when I was in elementary school. Years later, and that hand turkey I made is still hanging on your fridge. Plus, I know which drawer you stash the childhood drawings I gave you.
2. I always looked forward to sleeping over at your house when I was young. When mom and dad needed a break from me, you were always eager for some quality bonding time.
3. You're the one who stuck up for me when I needed it the most. When I was bullied as a child, you were the one who told that kid down the road to step off. You would do anything to defend me and make me feel like the most special little girl in the world.
4. I wanted to follow in your footsteps for as long as I can remember. The best part of being a grandma is getting to spoil the grandkids in a way you couldn't do with your own offspring.
5. Your love turned me into the person I am today, and it will stay with me forever. My confidence comes from the pride you take in everything I do.
6. Even though I'm all grown up now, I still rely on your advice. You taught me to be kind to others and I always think of you when I send handwritten thank-you notes.
7. I'll pass on the lessons you taught me to my own children and grandchildren. Some people may say etiquette rules are old fashioned, but we both know they'll never go out of style.
8. I may have said the childhood photos of me all over your house are embarrassing, but they actually make me so happy. If anyone thought I was still attractive when I was a teenager with braces and a bad haircut, it was definitely you.
9. When I'm sick, I still use your home remedies to feel better. Gargling salt when I have a sore throat always works.
10. I don't know how you do it, but you always look timeless. When I need to look especially presentable, I channel your charm and style (and break out the special jewelry you gifted me).
11. I really was listening when you told me stories from "the good old days." No matter how many times you told me how you met grandpa, it never got old. When you're gone, your stories will live on through me.
12. Thank you for raising my mother to be just like you. Sure she's hard on me sometimes, but I know she's doing her best—something she learned from you.
13. I may not have called as often as I grew older, but you were always on my mind. Every time my mother calls me, I ask about you.
14. I never take off the bracelet you gave me. In fact, I'm wearing it right now. Your taste was always impeccable.
15. The way you brag to your friends about me is secretly really flattering. Grandparents can be competitive when it comes to sharing stories of our successes and we love them for it.
16. You always make even my smallest accomplishments seem like they matter. That's why I make sure to tell you every detail going on in my life.
17. No matter how many times I tried to master your signature sponge cake recipe, yours was always better. But that won't stop me from continuing to try making it.
18. You always know what's best for me, before I even realize it. I'm so glad you convinced me to take risks and go after my passions.
19. I'm sorry I wasn't always there for you when you were sick. When you're young, seeing your grandma in the hospital can be scary. But spending as much time by her side as possible will always be worth it.
20. You're the person I look forward to seeing when I go back home. I'd say don't tell mom, but she probably already suspects it.
21. I love you more than you can imagine.
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Rebecca was the social media editor at CountryLiving.com and WomansDay.com.
