Today, I’m standing here with a heart that is incredibly heavy, because saying goodbye to my grandma feels like saying goodbye to one of the most important pieces of my life. My grandma was so much more than my grandmother. She helped raise me, guided me, protected me, and loved me in ways that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. She was there for me through the good days and the difficult ones. In so many ways, she helped shape the person I am today. When I think of my childhood, I think of her. I think of the comfort of knowing she was there. I think of her voice, her hugs, her advice, and all the little things she did that may not have seemed important at the time, but that meant everything to me. She taught me lessons that went far beyond words. She taught me what love looks like. She taught me what it means to care for someone, to be strong, and to always be there for the people you love. Some of the most important things she gave me weren't things that could be held in my hands—they were memories, values, and a love that I will carry forever.I wish I could have more time with her. I wish I could have one more conversation, one more hug, or one more chance to tell her just how much she meant to me. There are so many things I wish I could say. But I know that the love she gave me doesn't disappear just because she is no longer here. She is a part of me. She is in the person I became, in the lessons she taught me, and in the memories I will carry for the rest of my life. Grandma, thank you for helping raise me. Thank you for loving me, protecting me, believing in me, and being there when I needed you. Thank you for giving me a childhood filled with memories that I will treasure forever.I hope you knew how much you meant to me. I hope you knew how deeply you were loved. Losing you hurts more than I can put into words, but I am so grateful that I got to have you in my life. I will miss you every day, but I will carry you with me every day too. You weren't just my grandma. You were one of the people who helped make me who I am. I love you, Grandma.Thank you for everything. Until we meet again. Jessica Klenke