Grandparents’ Day hits a little differently when the grandparent you wish you could call, hug, or sit beside is no longer here. Today, I’m thinking about my grandmother, Madeline. She may no longer be here in person, but there are pieces of her that never left me. They live in the memories I carry, the stories I remember, and the little things that remind me of her when I least expect it.

Growing up, you don’t always realize how special those moments with your grandparents really are. You think there will always be another visit, another conversation, another holiday, another chance to say, “I love you.” I wish I could have one more conversation with my grandmother. One more hug. One more chance to sit with her and simply enjoy being together. I’d tell her how much she meant to me and how, even after all these years, she is still remembered and loved.

So, on this Grandparents’ Day, I’m not just mourning the fact that my grandmother is gone. I’m grateful that I had her. Grateful for the memories. Grateful for the love. Grateful that I get to call her my grandmother.

Gram, wherever you are, I hope you know that you are still loved, still remembered, and still a part of my story. Happy Grandparents’ Day in Heaven, Grandma. You may be gone from my sight, but you will never be gone from my heart.