Saturday, February 18, 2012

Las Cosas Pequenas (The Little Things)

Dear Grandpa,

Prince Royce sings the most beautiful and meaningful songs ever.  The combination of his amazingly good looks, sweet lyrics, soft voice, bachata music, and spanish tongue makes this song one of my favorites.  If everyone lived by these simple words, the world would truly be a better place.


Love always,
Your granddaughter

P.S. You know you have a secret crush on him too ;)

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

My V-Day

Dear Grandpa,

Yesterday was interesting. Aside from the "I love you" text that Mom sends when she thinks I need a pick-me-up, my Valentine's Day morning was obnoxious, to say the least. My friend and his ex tried to be all cute and lovey-dovey for V-Day and start things over from the beginning, even though you can't really ever "start things over" once you've been together for 1.5 years, and even though they are so obviously avoiding the giant elephant in their "relationship", and even though they never should have been together in the first place! Facebook was blowing up with holiday statuses and people kept on posting their stupid gifts that probably died, melted, or was eaten by now. All of the restaurants bumped up their prices, so going out for lunch was completely out of the option. If you can't tell by now, Grandpa, I was cranky... kind of like how you used to get before, after, and during your baths.

Luckily for me, I was surprised by a visit from Matan who, brought nothing special, wore nothing special, and planned nothing special. It was great! The rest of my night was so relaxing and normal and I completely forgot it was Valentine's Day. To top it off, we watched my all time favorite, Top Gear, and laughed at however many two hour specials we watched until we fell asleep. The thing that made it great, was that it was so ordinary and enjoyable. I didn't need to get Matan anything for him to know that I love him and he felt the same. The greatest gift I could have asked for, was knowing that my niece was safe at home for her very first day out of the hospital. The simple things in life is all I need to stay happy.

I know how traditional you were, Grandpa, because we were raised so differently. I know you always got Grandma flowers and chocolates and probably had a romantic night on Valentine's Day, but think of the rest of the year when you and her fought all the time and how you weren't always happy together; you shouldn't have had to be forced to change your feelings because of one state holiday. If you're not in love, then don't be, and if you are, then be in love, but not just for one day. I hope you can understand where I'm coming from. I'm not trying to be bitter on purpose or complain because I'm unhappy, but I want you to see how love should be. I love you and I don't just write to you on Valentine's Day, or send you special videos to show how much I care. You should know that I care and feel the same amount of love each day, forever. You're my forever valentine :).

Love always
Your granddaughter

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

I hate Valentine's Day

Dear Grandpa,

It's that time of year again. I don't know why, but just about everything bugs me today. Between all of the love statuses, the sappy profile pictures, couples making up that never should have been together in the first place, over priced roses being advertised everywhere, and that obnoxious, italicized, happy little reminder on my calendar that it's Valentine's Day.  Why does this stupid holiday even exist?

If you ask me, Valentine's Day is an excuse to be extra nice and cute and fake for 24 hours; it's one night where you take your significant other out to dinner instead of making them cook, serve, and clean for you; it's one night where you waste money on flowers that will just sit and die in a vase that you admired for 2 minutes; it's one night of making sex, massages, and "I love you" special. And when you're single, it's a day to love yourself. Well, what about the other 364 days of the year? Each and every person deserves to feel special and loved everyday and should not be subjected to make love "extra special" for one stupid holiday!

Look, I'm not doing this because I don't love someone (because I do) or because no one loves me (because people do), but I'm tired of the ignorance of people. *News flash*, money, flowers, and chocolate can't buy love. And it's not Valentine's day!!!!! It's Valentine's year, decade, century, lifetime! Love everyday like it was your last. Laugh, kiss, play, mess around, do stupid things, go out, make dessert, order in, and watch movies everyday. Make your whole life about love, not just one stupid, yearly holiday.

Happy Valentine's lifetime, Grandpa. I love you, always have, always will.

Love always,
Your granddaughter

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Serenity

Dear Grandpa,

Through the strength of my friend, I realize how fortunate I am for everything I have in my life right now. Although I might complain about several things, there are some people in this world who need support and love a whole lot more than I do.

Whether it is to those who have lost their loved ones, those who have suffered hardships, or those who have lost their way, I ask for you, Grandpa, to help them find strength and love. To my amazing friend who is going through a tough (TOUGH) month, I hope my grandpa can help find peace in you.

Even though I'm not completely sure of my faith, this prayer has gotten me through some difficult times. It has encouraged me to reflect and accept or change certain situations that have caused me grief. I guess, there are just times when we need to look toward something for guidance because we all need a little bit of help at some point. This is for you, Justin, and everyone else that needs it:


Love always,
Your granddaughter

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Milestones

Dear Grandpa,

Lots of milestones have passed by and we haven't talked for a while. It's a little over a year since you've passed, I am settled into my school work and living situation here in new paltz, and I finally have a puppy of my own; her name is Calypso (Caly) and she is the biggest joy in my life. I swear, she keeps me going some days when life gives me a run for my money. The best part of everyday is opening the door to my little mama thrilled to see me, struggling to wag the nub (literally) of her tail. She drives me crazy when she chews EVERYTHING, shreds the toilet paper from the garbage, and misses her wee wee pad, but the snuggles at night make up for all that and more. I am so blessed to have a family that got me such a wonderful Christmas gift and I am blessed to have the perfect dog for me. She's a cutie!

As for all of the problems I had before, oh they're still there. Even some new "situations" have come up and, as always, I'm surrounded with drama that will mean nothing to me on a few years. But I guess that keeps me going too. Struggles make you fight, hurt a little, and then make you a little stronger. Battle wounds are sexy, right?

Anyway, I've decided to play it easy this semester. School is not something you can mess around with and I think it's finally hitting me. So rather than messing around with friends all week and screw up my own morals, I'm really trying to step up. I've got to set my priorities straight and become a little more selfish. I have so many big dreams to fill and not a lot of time to do it. I hope you can give me courage and strength to pull me through this time because the 20 year old in me wants to go out and be a fool for the last few months of my not-yet-adulthood. Who knows, maybe Caly was your idea of making me grow up and accept actual responsibilities for once. I mean, she is my little angel after all!

After everything, I still miss you, Grandpa. There weren't many years of my life where you were healthy, but we still had so much fun when you were sick; it only makes me wonder what things would have been like of you never got Alzheimer's; if YOU could have lead ME in my sweet 16 dance, or if we could have beaten Daddy and Grandma in dominoes without a foolish fight. Regardless, I miss watching you lick salt from your palm and cursing Grandma off and filling in your brows with blue sharpie and tickling my ear with your dirty fingernails that you hated to get cut. I miss you a whole lot and I hope you can hear some of what I'm saying. I know you visited Mom and Daddy in their dreams a little while ago and they said you looked great. You were a hippie with long hair and you were so happy and I couldn't help but be a little jealous because I never had a chance to see you like that. I wish you could come visit my dreams sometime soon because I want to see you again. Not sick you. Healthy, young, and happy Grandpa. The Grandpa that I never had the chance to love.

Love always,
Your granddaughter

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