It was a cold, snowy winter Wisconsin day. Like any normal December day, except today was Christmas. At the age of three, I really didn’t understand too much, but I did understand that holiday time meant family time. I understood by the way my dad would nonstop smile for weeks in advance and take shopping to find the perfect gift for each family member. When I saw those signs I knew that meant seeing my great grandparents, Bernice and Henry. With my family, no two holidays were ever the same. One year we could have a relaxing holiday with hot cocoa and cuddled up by the fireplace or another where we would go play football from sunrise to sunset— that’s what made my family get-togethers so fun.

Although my great-grandmother is no longer with us, I enjoyed 14 joyous and educational years with her. Bernice and Henry played a huge role in my cousin and my lives. We were all very close. We would go spend weekends at their house, go on mini road trips up north and go watch Brewers games with them. They always were at our sporting events, came over and made us food, and always found interests in our interests.  Even if that meant doing research or watching it in their free time to really understand our interests and why we found interest in it. Being three, I didn’t quite understand how much that meant to me, and how much effort it took. I now understand that when you truly love someone, family, or friends, you find happiness in your loved one being happy. It gives you the feeling of inner warmth, a sensation of comfort and not being able to not stop smiling, my favorite feelings.

My extended family and friends all say that I am very much the offspring of them, the personality, the smile, and the way I treat and talk to others. They taught me to always be kind to others and a smile can brighten someone’s day, things I still do in my day-to-day life. She also taught me about values and why they are so important. She always told me, “without values you’re just a follower in somebody else’s path.” I still live by this today as I always think of my values before going and doing something impulsively or because a friend told me to. I always think of that quote and think if it matches what I’d want to be known for in my life.