Another note

My Grandma made me a scarf before I came abroad. She told me to wear it to keep me warm and protect me while I am in Europe. I think of her so much, but even more when I wear the scarf. If EVER there was a time for me to wear my Grandma's scarf, Friday was the day. I wanted my Grandma to be with me so bad that day. I remember spending a week with my Grandma and Grandpa Crowley in Wisconsin when I was younger (Probaby ?10-12?). Grandma took me to the library. She still tells the story of when we walked into the huge building with all sorts of books a little girl would LOVE to read.... I told her I wanted to find books on the Holocaust because I was very interested in the topic and wanted to learn as much as I could about it. My Grandma thought this was such a great way to focus on a subject and read. She helped me find some books in the library that day and we left with a memory the two of us will always share.

I have always been the one in my family that is a little outspoken and a little confident. Okay, A LOT outspoken and A LOT confident. I know that if I put my mind to it, I will do it. I know that there is nothing in this world that I cannot do. And if someone tells me I cannot do it, that is absolutely more reason for me to pursue it. I remember telling my Grandma how much I wanted to study abroad when I was just a child. Here I am. I went to the library before I was 12 and wanted to learn as much about the Holocaust as I could. Friday, more than ten years from that library visit, I arrived at Auschwitz.

My Grandma is one of my best friends and greatest mentors. I love her so much! I want to be her when I grow up. I especially wanted her with me on Friday. So I wore the scarf.......