Reflecting on the love between a grandmother and granddaughter

Published: September 11, 2016 | Updated: November 21, 2019

My best friend was born in the ’50s. She has band practice every Sunday afternoon, but she always makes it to church with me at 11. She likes to get her nails done but doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty. And she loves a strong cup of coffee in her favorite mug while sitting on the porch.

My best friend is my grandma.

You may wonder how we became best friends. I’ll start from the beginning: When I was a few days old, she turned 38. OK, too far back. But I did spend a lot of time with my Momo growing up.

We would swing. She would sing and tell me stories. Her stories have always been the best — especially the ones she made up. Aside from all of my favorite memories with my grandma, my best memories are the many many things she has taught me.

Above all of those things, she has taught me love.

My grandma has taught me that kindness is invaluable and that everyone deserves to be loved.

I have watched my Momo love so many times over the past 24 years. She loves nature, she loves people, she loves animals, and she loves the things that many people overlook. She loves like I have never seen anyone love before. And she loves her family the most.

My grandma lost her husband in 2004 and her son in 2009. You would think that those two unimaginable events would be enough for her to stop loving. But she loves harder now than ever and she has poured that love into everyone around her.

She taught me to love unconditionally and never be afraid of loving too hard. She has taught me that kind notes or a reminder that someone matters to you is so significant. These lessons that she has taught me have molded the way that I love and take care of relationships with the people I love.

That also means taking care of yourself, and Momo taught me that too. Today she’s 62 and a health rock star because she loves and takes care of herself just as much as the other people she loves. She, along with my mother, are the biggest advocates for my health. I know that if Momo tells me to rest, I should probably take her advice.

I am so thankful to get to continue to learn from her, and I am so thankful to call her mine. Because of my Momo, I am a better person.

Happy Grandparents Day to my best friend, my Momo, and every grandparent and grandparent-to-be!

Your grandma wants you to be a health rock star!

Show yourself some love by getting a free health screening. Several screening locations are available throughout the community every month. Find a screening location near you — and bring your grandparent!