To Nancy Jo

Grandmommy,

On the second day of Christmas, my grandma gave to me, two very special memories...

Well, truthfully, you've given me many more, but I want to share with you my two favorites. The first, is when I was little and used to stay with you while my mom went to work. Every day she would drop me off with McDonald's pancakes, and every morning I would share one with you.

My other favorite memory of you and I is when we used to watch Guiding Light together. Surely, I would be playing with dolls or some other toy, but for a good minute I was just as up to date on the scandal as you.

And today, we still share a passion for some similar shows. I can't wait to call you and talk about Desperate Housewives and all their latest antics. And though these memories will never leave my heart and mind, that is not all I wish to say to you.

Thank you for always being there for me. You are such a wonderful grandmother and I know I can always talk to you, no matter how sensitive the subject. Anytime I feel upset about something, you always seem to know exactly what to say. Your wisdom has guided me many times, and for that I am forever in your debt. And even when you know I am headed down the wrong path, you still manage to love me without judgement.

I suppose the other thing I could think you for is for my stubborness. For today though, we shall call it dilligence. While stubborness has gotten me in trouble a few times, dilligence has served me well in school and my relationships. So I thank you for this character trait. For now, all I can hope is that one day, I am as dilligent as you.

Finally, I think you for the lessons you have taught me, and chief among those, is to pick my battles. This mentality has saved me many times from a hard and useless road. Taking the road less traveled is one thing, but to take the road with landmines is just ridiculous.

I wish you a Merry Christmas, full of joy, family, and love. Most of all, as we gather this year, may we remember the reason for the season.

All my love,

Salina Anne