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My Mother-in-law is the best example of the kind of grandma I want to be! She was always so sweet to me and treated me like I was her daughter. She was the best mother-in-law ever and I learned quite a bit from her. I always knew I wanted to be just like her once I was a grandma, but I never really thought about what she did that was different until I became a grandma. One thing I'll never forget is how at her funeral her grandkids (she had 19) were all arguing about who was her favorite. Each one of them thought they were her favorite! How do you convince 19 kids that each is your favorite?

I've thought a lot about that as I've become a grandma. But I'm not sure I have been able to pinpoint what she did that was so unique. So, I decided to ask my own kids about it. I asked them each to tell me what made her special to them. Here are there answers:

Robert: I want to say this happened Christmas of 2003 because I had been dating Christine for a few months. Anyway, Grandma and I were sitting by the Christmas tree at Scott & Elaine's house (she was living there at the time I believe) and we were just talking about what was going on in my life at the time. She was asking me about Christine, and we talked about me not going on a mission. I remember her making me feel comfortable with my decision not to go and she was probably the first person who made me feel that way. When we were leaving, she looked me in the eyes and said she expected great things out of me. That's always stuck with me. I think she felt bad afterwards like she offended me or something, but it was the opposite and actually has been a driver in my life ever since.

Brennan: I loved how whenever she'd come to Utah she'd sit and build Lego cities with us. She always made sure there was a retirement home with a pool. I also remember her sitting down with me and letting me show all the drawings and stories I'd done. She would be so excited as I showed her each drawing. She made me feel special for taking the time with me individually like that.

Kelton: For me it was when she would call us individually (on the home phone "back in the day") and check up on how we were doing. I still vividly remember her asking about everything going on in my life and her excitement to hear about it all. Somehow, it never came off as some sort of interrogation, but she seemed genuinely interested in what I was doing and what I felt about things. When she died, that was one of the things I missed the most.

After reading these memories, I think I can boil it down to one thing. She made each of her grandkids feel important. She spent quality time with each one of them and made them feel special. She lived in a different state and really didn't see my kids all that often, but she found ways to make each one of them feel loved by her. And that was before most of the technology we have now that helps us stay connected!

By the world's standards, she wasn't famous or special. But to at least 19 people she had a very real impact on their lives. I think that's a pretty great legacy and I want to be her when I "grow up!"

Do you or someone you know have a special relationship with a grandparent? Share why this person meant so much to you. We can all learn from each other's experiences!