Dear Grandma,

How do I even begin to find the words to thank you for the impact you have had on my life?  Not only did you raise a daughter that became the most incredible mother, but you’ve also been a source of endless inspiration as a grandmother by leading a life full of strength, resilience, joy, and love.

Thank you for being on my shoulder with me for every race.  For reminding me to smile and to keep my shoulders down.  Thank you for sharing many pre-race tuna salad and PB and J sandwiches with me.  Thank you for your endless support and for always watching my races, even if that process involves covering your face with a dish towel because you can’t stand to watch me run on the rail.  Thank you for celebrating with me in both victory and defeat.  For teaching me the importance of believing in myself and never allowing fear to be a deterrent.  Thank you for teaching me to be kinder to myself and celebrate all of the victories, no matter how small, along the way.  Watching you compete in 100-milers through your sixties and continue to race ultra marathons well into your late-seventies, showed me that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.  You taught me the power of the mind and the importance of facing perceived limits head-on and running straight through them.  You showed me what it means to be tough and resilient, both in sport and life. 

Most importantly, you taught me the importance of family.  Your commitment to and love for your family is apparent in all that you do.  From supporting your children and grandchildren in all their endeavors to making those around you laugh to cheffing up your famous homemade biscuits, everything you do is done in love.  I feel so blessed that I had someone to look up to that encouraged me to chase my biggest dreams, while also reminding me to always stay grounded in family.  

I am eternally grateful for our weekly phone calls.  I love hearing about all of the friends you have made walking out at River Walk, a testament to your kindness, thoughtfulness, and passion for connecting with those around you.  You have such a way of brightening the days of everyone you meet.  You are compassionate and always there to offer a helping hand.  You always stand up for what is right and you have a beautiful gift of always being there for those that need you.  Thank you for teaching me the value of prioritizing connection and relationship in life.  Thank you for showing me what it means to be a supportive friend and confidant.  For always knowing when to listen and when to offer advice.  Thank you for teaching me the importance of balance in life.  For always being there to share an oatmeal cream pie or stuffed french toast or a volcano burrito. Thank you for teaching me the importance of laughter and not taking yourself too seriously.  I always look forward to the next funny story you have to share, showing me just how wonderful it is to laugh at yourself and not embarrass easily.  Thank you for always stressing the importance of the joy and fun to be had along the way.  

I know this letter will likely bring some tears to your eyes, because let’s be honest just about anything sentimental can make you cry these days, but I hope they will be happy tears knowing how incredibly influential you have been and continue to be in my life.  Thank you for being such a strong and wonderful role model, grandma, and friend.  I love you, G! 

Love,

Elise