dear grandpa,

i am so sad i couldn't be there to help celebrate your 80th birthday.  it breaks my heart when i realize how much i miss out on when i am away at school.  but the greatest knowledge i have is that families are forever and no matter where we are, we always have each others love to keep us strong and to keep us going.  thank you for teaching me that and for teaching me that the only two things that matter in life are family and the gospel of Jesus Christ.  it seems that not matter what you are doing, your life is always centered on those two things: serving our lord and serving your family. 

i don't think you'll ever fully understand how great of an example and influence you have been in my life.  never once have i seen or heard you complain about life and how hard it can get.   you live life with faith and hope and there is a great deal to be said about that! there have been times when you have been cooped up in a tiny hospital room for days, eating terrible food and you still are happy, you are always happy.
i don't think anyone in this world has grandparents as supportive as you and grandma are.  i can't remember a single tennis match, recital, talk, graduation, or performance where you haven't been there, front and center, cheering me on.  it means the world to me to know that you care so much about me and my life.  

the man i marry has a VERY high bar to measure up to.  you served a full time mission, you were an amazing father to my dad, you treat grandma like a queen, you are always laughing, you are so generous and kind to everyone you meet, you are hardworking and devoted, you are a righteous priesthood holder and you serve the lord with all your heart.  i honestly don't know if i will ever be able to find a man that measures up to you.
today on the phone you said that in your old age you forget some things but, there are just some things that can't be forgotten.  well, at my ripe ol' age of 19 i really do cherish the memories i have had with you.  i remember the mule rides, the trips to the pool, getting "suicides" from wills pit stop, yellowstone, st. george, camping, thanksgiving and christmas dinners, park city, disneyland, byu games, pheasant hunting, the night you brought me tiffy, and so many more...and someday, when i am 80, those will still be the memories i hold on to.

grandpa, you are a spiritual giant and i am so thankful and blessed to be able to have you in my life.  i am so thankful you and grandma were married in the temple and because of that example you have taught us all the importance of a temple marriage and the importance of keeping those sacred covenants. i am SO grateful i get to be with you and the rest of the family forever!  

i miss you so much and can't wait to see you in just a few short months.

i love you!