Audreanna Wiggins-Jordan
Dear Grandpa,
Thank you for investing in experiences for my sister and me. We grew up swimming in the bay, climbing the apple trees, and kayaking in open water. We spent most of our days outside, and it helped me fall in love with nature—and understand that it’s worth protecting.
I won’t forget our long Sunday drives, listening to the Packers game and getting dropped off at Barnes & Noble. I won’t forget our afternoons at the pool and getting banana smoothies at the drive-thru on our way out with you and Mimi. I won’t forget our walks in the woods, making sure we hugged the biggest trees.
I won’t forget breakfast with smoky sausages and bear claws, or our Friday stops at Mr. Kim’s corner store. I won’t forget you sitting in your chair, reading the newspaper with your glasses too far down. I won’t forget rainy days at the library, picking out black-and-white movies. I won’t forget how you always thought of me and my sister—leaving gummy sharks in the crystal dish just for us.
I won’t forget Halloween at your house or bringing Seroogies every Christmas. I won’t forget playing Hearts and smoking out the Queen. Honestly, your bluff wasn’t very good—but that made it even better.
I wish you peace.