My Best "Thank You"

Grandparents are without a doubt one of the greatest blessings in the whole world and I am fortunate enough to have had nine (yes, nine) of them.

They're kind of like Disney movies -- it's impossible to pick a favorite. Each of my grandparents means so much to me and I so badly wish I could've lived next door to all of them growing up. I was lucky enough, however, to live just a short 30 minutes away from my Grandma and Grandpa Roush for the first 17 years of my life. My siblings and I have spent so much time at their house over the years. I know because of that, these two in particular have had a huge impact on the person I've become today. I wanted to find a way to let them know how much they mean to me, because I'm not sure I've ever told them.

Some of my best childhood memories can be attributed to weekends spent at my Grandma Marilyn and Grandpa Jerry's. My siblings and I would spend our days climbing trees, having water fights, and eating tomatoes fresh out of the garden. It was these days that we learned how to play cards or how to make grandpa's famous homemade pizza. On Saturday nights we'd watch Tom & Jerry and every Sunday morning we'd go to church. I think those after-church dinners are my favorite memories though -- especially the ones after grandpa led worship that morning. (When he sang, you could always count on an encore of "Victory in Jesus." Every. Single. Time.)

Looking back on my childhood and the memories I got to make at my grandma and grandpa's, I can't help but realize how much I have to be thankful for! But, I think what I keep closer to my heart than all of the memories I made growing up, was what they taught me. All of my grandparents have shown me what family looks like. Some of them have shown me what faith looks like. My Grandma Marilyn and Grandpa Jerry, however, have shown me what commitment looks like.

They made the choice to commit to each other the day they got married almost 58 years ago and they've continued to make that choice everyday since then. Through their marriage, they have shown me what it looks like to intentionally choose somebody you love over and over, to selflessly serve those you care about, and to humbly walk with the Lord everyday. Though they've been working at it for just a little bit longer than I have, the commitment they've modeled is something I admire; and it's something I know I want to strive for in all of my relationships from here on out.

So, grandma and grandpa, thank you.

For giving me such a happy place to grow up.

For the love you've shown me.

For the example you've set for me.

I didn't think words could express my gratitude as passionately or as permanently as I would like... so I decided to get a tattoo of the year you were married, to honor the commitment you made to each other in 1962 and to honor the commitment you've made to your family ever since.

You inspire me.

Grandma & Grandpa Roush on their wedding day.
(One of my favorite pictures!!!)

My newest tat.

"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." -- Mark 10:9