Gratitude Girl

Dear Looloo: You've been on my mind... You entered this world at 3:15am on January 31 st , 2011. I held you in my gloved hand only seconds later and cut your umbilical cord. You were the cutest puppy – white and tiny with pink ears and paws. You happened to be in my arms when you opened your eyes two weeks later, and I was honored to be the first person to make eye contact with you. You took your first steps a few days after that, and you were already a big boy, walking alongside your mother and father. It wasn't long before you started talking, too. I am so grateful to have witnessed all that. Thank you for always protecting me by jumping in front of me, growling and barking at any stranger that looks my way. Thank you for all the foot massages. Thank you for looking at me with your gorgeous eyes. Thank you for following me everywhere. Thank you for your beautiful smile. Thank you for loving me. I love you and I am grateful for every second with you. Love... Noosha Ravag...

Dear Shohreh: You've been on my mind... I met you in high school, over three decades ago. You were the smartest girl in class, and I picked your brain every chance I got. You were always helpful and answered any question I had related to any subject we studied. Even though you moved to another city to go to medical school and we didn't see each other after high school, I've always remembered you and your big smile. I feel so grateful to have had you in my life. You taught me so much and always did so kindly and patiently. Thank you for all your help throughout high school. I always knew I could count on you to explain what I didn't understand in class – and you did it so well! We've been connected through social media for years, but I'm not sure I ever really thanked you for everything you did. Please know that I appreciate you... and always have. Love... Noosha Ravaghi

Dear Hoppoo: You've been on my mind... Thank you for adopting me that day, over eleven years ago, when I came to your house to take your sister home with me. You knew I needed you, so you just followed me until I picked you up and brought you home. Later that same day, you looked deep into my eyes and a magical connection happened. Since that moment, you have been my companion. Thank you for being such a good dog! You and I have taken long walks together, just the two of us. Thank you for walking with me. We have danced in each other's arms during thunderstorms. Thank you for dancing with me. We have played soccer together day after day. Thank you for playing with me. We have fought and made up a thousand times. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. We have laid our heads on the same pillow night after night. Thank you for resting with me -- and for waking me up with a million kisses every morning. Thank you for teaching your son how to play ball and licking his face every m...

Dear Bababozorg: You've been on my mind... It's been nearly two decades since you left us, but I remember everything about you so vividly. I remember your stories, your pranks, your pet peeves, your sense of humor, and your habits. You were a remarkable human being and a wonderful grandfather. Thank you for that! You and I always had a special bond; we didn't need many words to communicate. Thank you for always supporting me and having my back. You were my rock. The last time we saw each other was at the hospital. At times you called me by my name and thanked me for being there. Other times, you looked me in the eyes but couldn't remember my name and when I asked, you would say, "Love... Your name is Love." You could always handle any situation, even on your worst days. I'm so grateful to have had you as my grandpa. I'm grateful for all the love, all the joy, and all the beautiful memories.  I love you, Bababozorg! Noosha Ravaghi