Most people have heard of the term ‘Daddy’s girl’, someone who idolises, loves deeply, is devoted to and can even get away with things other’s can’t! Well throughout my life, I’ve always described myself as a ‘Grandad’s girl’. We had a particularly special bond - maybe it has something to do with being the first Grandchild, he was one of my go to people and I considered us to be very close. He has taught me so much and we have shared so many memories together. One of my favourites was when he used to take me on car rides with no particular destination in mind. He would just start driving and I could decide if we turned left or right when we reached a junction. As a young child it was especially exciting to have an adult allow you to make those kinds of decisions and we would end up in some strange places that I feel I would never be able to find again. We would be completely lost somewhere in Kent but I never worried about getting home because Grandad was always so calm, I knew that he would get us back safe. When I was taking my exams at school, one day the stress got to be a bit too much and I ‘ran away’ to Nan and Grandads house - my go to destination! Grandad was the only one who could calm me down with his loving and supportive manner and his very practical advice - he always had a level head. He was eager to teach me things and he always had time for me. I have learnt so many life lessons from him, including how to lay a brick (which I still proudly boast about today). He has helped me out so much in my life that I believe that I would not be the person that I am today without his input. There are a lifetime of memories that I have of you, Grandad, too many to share, but know that I will always treasure them. I am incredibly proud to have had you as my Grandad and it breaks my heart that my baby will not have the opportunity to meet and get to know you, but trust that I will tell them of all the stories that I have of you so they too will know what wonderful person you were. I love and miss you beyond words. You’ll be forever in my heart. All my love, Antonia xx