my grandpa was a strong man. a wise man. he rarely said much to us. he loved us no doubt. but he was hard on us. he expected a lot. and when he was disappointed, we knew it. it showed in his eyes. as a teenager, he turned to me unexpectedly and said.... 'never depend on anyone, kaylen. you are a strong girl. you are a smart girl. the only person you can depend on is you.'

he didn't just tell me i was pretty. he told me i was strong. and smart. and i listened. thank god, i listened.