Her smile with her dimples always brightened my day. One day, Grandma murmured, “Emily, dear,” in a gentle, loving voice. “Would you like to help me with the garden later?” I excitedly nodded, disregarding my uncle’s rolling of his eyes from across the room. He was never able to figure out why I was bothering the “old lady”.

“Your summer is being wasted, Em,” said my Uncle Bill. “Why don’t you come to the beach with us instead?”I gave him a fierce look. “Uncle Bill, I genuinely care about my grandmother. You ought to give it a go sometime.” Grandma’s hands trembled a little, and I noticed it while we pruned the roses together. The fact that she was growing older alarmed me. “Grandma,” I spoke softly. “You know I love you, right?”She stopped and gave me that sweet look. “Obviously, my dear.