"More than a stunning debut. It is the announcement of a bold new literary voice"
—Stephen Chbosky, author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower

I just want to start by saying I miss you. We all miss you. I can tell Dad still doesn’t like talking about you being gone. I know you only died earlier this year but I think you were gone a long time ago. You just weren’t you. I think Dad feels the same way but it’s still hard. You were such a fun personality. You made jokes, played pranks, and had fun. You always had a smile and enjoyed all the little things. I think that is why your food always tasted so good. You knew how important the little details were. No matter what time it was or what day you always made sure we had full, delicious meals. You were always caring. Every morning I was met with an egg sandwich. Every lunch I had plenty of snacks and treats for me and my friends to share. Every dinner everyone had more than enough delicious food and I never had a meal that I didn’t enjoy. That had to be tiring. But you did it anyways. I think you just enjoyed making people smile. You cared so much about others, but you were still shy. You did things by yourself. You had close friends and family and that’s all you needed. You cared for each person in your close circle. You cared for your plants and your pets. You spoiled your cats that I don’t think you ever actually named. You were such a good grandma and I know you were just as good of a mom. Everyone misses you but I think Dad and I took it harder. We still get sad thinking about you. I think it’s hard now that you are gone, but I think you had already left. You lost that fun personality. You stopped cooking and cleaning. You didn’t draw or garden or even socialize. I know the dementia made it feel like you had left already but I know you were still there. I heard it in your voice. I know you knew what you wanted to say you just couldn’t get it out. You confused names and sometimes didn’t make much sense but I know you were still there. I miss you, but specifically the real you. You brought me, Dad, and Jack into your house and took care of us when we couldn’t be on our own. You were a caring lone wolf. You liked to do everything on your own but it was always for others. I miss you so much Nana and I know you are with me no matter what I do. I try to take in the little things in life just like you. When I notice the way the flowers on the trees are opening up and adding that slight sweet smell to the breeze I think about you and all the care you showed to small details. I love you Nana.