A Letter of Gratitude

Dear Grandma,

As the seasons change and we approach the time of reflection, I find myself thinking about the moments and people that have shaped my life. There’s an undeniable warmth that this time of year brings—an invitation to pause, look back, and express the gratitude that sometimes gets lost in the rush of daily life. As I reflect on the paths I’ve walked, there’s one person who stands out in ways that are impossible to overlook: you.

It’s often said that the most meaningful gifts aren’t the ones we unwrap with excitement, but the ones we receive in quieter, more subtle ways—gifts that may not come wrapped in shiny paper, but in the form of moments, words, and actions that stay with us long after they’ve passed. You have given me that kind of gift. More than any material possession, the lessons you’ve imparted and the kindness you’ve shown me have shaped who I am today, and I wanted to take this moment to say thank you.

Gratitude is a curious thing. It’s easy to say the words “thank you,” but sometimes those words feel inadequate to express the depth of emotion and appreciation that truly exists. How do you sum up the influence of someone who has been a guide, a supporter, and a constant source of strength in your life? How do you convey the impact of someone whose presence has been like a gentle breeze on a summer day—unseen but felt, subtle yet powerful? I suppose the answer lies in the simple act of acknowledgment. And so, here I am, acknowledging you.

I think of the times when you offered your wisdom, not with the expectation of being heard, but simply because you believed in sharing knowledge, in helping others grow. Your words always seemed to arrive at just the right time—when I was searching for direction or struggling with uncertainty. In those moments, I didn’t just hear advice; I felt the kindness behind it. It was never about being right or proving a point, but about offering a perspective that might help me see things differently. That’s the beauty of your approach: you didn’t try to fix me. You simply encouraged me to discover my own path, trusting that I could find my way if I had the courage to keep moving forward.

But it wasn’t just your words that have impacted me—it’s your actions. There’s a quiet strength in the way you move through the world. You show up for people, not for recognition, but because it’s who you are. You’ve demonstrated time over and over again what it means to be reliable, to be present, and to be patient. The way you give of yourself—without hesitation, without expectation—has taught me what true generosity looks like. You’ve modeled for me that the greatest acts of kindness are often the smallest ones: a smile when it’s needed, a helping hand when someone is struggling, or simply a moment of listening when the world feels overwhelming. Your selflessness has inspired me to be more aware of my own ability to offer love and support to others.

I also admire your resilience. Life hasn’t always been easy for you, but you’ve navigated its challenges with grace and perseverance. Watching you face adversity—without allowing it to define you—has been a powerful reminder that strength isn’t measured by the ability to avoid difficulty, but by the courage to keep going in the face of it. Your ability to rise above setbacks, to learn from them and grow, has given me a new perspective on my own struggles. It’s shown me that hardships are not the end of the road, but rather, opportunities for growth.

And perhaps most of all, it’s your unwavering belief in people that has left the most lasting impression on me. You see potential in others long before they see it in themselves. When I was unsure of my abilities, when I questioned whether I had what it took to succeed, you were there—reminding me of my worth, pushing me to believe in myself, and encouraging me to keep going. There have been countless moments when I’ve felt lost or uncertain, but your faith in me has always been a steady anchor. Your belief has been a quiet but powerful force, helping me navigate even the most difficult of circumstances. Your encouragement has helped me find courage I didn’t know I had, and for that, I will be forever grateful.

As the season of reflection approaches, I want to acknowledge just how deeply your presence has impacted my life. The act of gratitude is a simple yet profound thing—it is the recognition of the gifts we’ve received, the people who have touched our lives, and the love that continues to guide us. This letter is my humble attempt to express my appreciation for all the ways you’ve shaped me, and the many ways you continue to do so, whether you realize it or not.

In this season of reflection, I’ve come to understand that gratitude is not just about looking back—it’s about looking forward, too. It’s about taking the lessons we’ve learned and using them to guide us toward the future. And because of you, I have learned that gratitude is more than an emotion; it’s a practice. It’s a way of being in the world—of recognizing the good, even in the midst of challenges, and carrying that sense of appreciation into every moment.

So, as the season of gratitude and reflection begins, I want to take a moment to thank you. Thank you for the guidance, the love, the wisdom, and the strength you have shared with me. Thank you for being a source of light in my life, for reminding me of the beauty in the everyday, and for teaching me how to be more present, more compassionate, and more resilient. I am so grateful for you—and I am honored to know you.

With all my heart,

Your beloved Grandson

Chris Gomes