Gratitude Girl

Dear Laura: You've been on my mind... You're not a fictional character, but when I first saw you, I thought you were. I was a child then, and so were you. As I watched Little House on the Prairie on television, you took me on an educational journey. I encountered all your problems through your eyes: With you, I cheered all your victories and learned all  your valuable lessons. Although our lives were different in many ways, we were both energetic tomboys, and I enjoyed living your life of adventure when my own life seemed boring. Thanks for all the fun! Thank you, Melissa Gilbert, for portraying one of my favorite childhood characters. Thank you, Laura Ingalls Wilder, for writing these amazing books for children. Love... Gratitude Girl

Dear Tarzan: You've been on my mind... I grew up watching the television show Tarzan: Lord of the Jungle. Fascinated by your extraordinary physical abilities, mainly your strength and stamina, I watched you climb, swing, and leap and wished I had some of your agility and speed. I also loved your intelligence. I remember that the name of your chimpanzee friend, Cheeta, caused me a great deal of confusion when I was a child: For the longest time, I thought cheetahs were chimpanzees. I don't know if Edgar Rice Burroughs is responsible for this poor choice of name or Hollywood, but I wonder how many more children confused chimpanzees and cheetahs growing up. Thanks to all who portrayed Tarzan's character and all who created his cartoon character. Love... Gratitude Girl

Dear Sheldon: You've been on my mind... I saw you for the first time only a few years ago when I watched The Big Bang Theory, and I immediately recognized both your remarkable intellect and your intolerable lack of empathy. Your innocence and your gestures combined with your pranks and your exaggerated adherence to routine made you a charming character. The way you wore your costumes and spoke Klingon showed you were proud to be a geek. And even though your significant other was Amy, I particularly loved your relationship with Penny. Your character fascinated me so much that I started watching Young Sheldon to watch you grow up. I also wanted to know when your mother had you tested... Thank you, Jim Parsons and Iain Armitage, for portraying Sheldon so beautifully! Love... Gratitude Girl

Dear Olivia: You've been on my mind... I saw you for the first time about two decades ago, and I immediately fell in love with your beauty, intelligence, no-nonsense attitude, and bravery. I liked and continued to watch the show Law & Order: Special Victims Unit because of you.  Thank you for all you do to help others and for being a role model for all women. Also, thank you, Marisa Hargitay, for portraying Olivia Benson so beautifully and for providing support to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. Love... Gratitude Girl