Cover Art was designed by Lauren Nicholson.

My grandmother currently lives in Ohio and is in an assisted living facility. I remember having sleepovers at her house when I was a kid. She would bake warm cookies and watch movies with me. I have learned so much from her. Losing my mother at the age of 21 was difficult, and her lessons helped me.

My grandmother was the person I would call for recipes during the holiday season. When I was little, my grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen cooking for the family and made the best sweet potato pies. Our family would always get together during the holidays for a time of food and fellowship.

As my grandmother grew older, she was not able to cook as much, so we started cooking for her. My grandmother was a stay-at-home mother and raised seven kids while my grandfather worked. She prepared hot meals daily and kept the house in immaculate condition. Staying at home with the kids was a full-time job for my grandmother. She taught me how to care for a family and maintain a household. I am grateful for all she taught me over the years.

I wish that everyone could experience a life with good, present grandparents. I am grateful to have such good grandparents in my life over the years. My grandfather passed away in 1996 and I miss his smile. He was an upstanding, hardworking guy who took the best care of us. My grandfather also served our country in the Navy for many years. He purchased my first pajama set, and I can still remember how much I loved them.

Grandparents are assets, full of wisdom and history. I have learned so much over the years from talking to elders. I am forever grateful.

Toca Montgomery has been a consultant with Verizon for almost six years. She is a mother of one daughter and currently lives in Virginia. She loves spending time with family and loved ones when she has spare time. Toca loves traveling and learning about different cultures.