Showing Gratitude

Recently I've watched another video: An experiment in Gratitude. In this clip of "The Science of Happiness," it's shown how expressing gratitude not only spreads joy to the one you're thanking, but also to yourself. The people in the video were asked to write a letter to the person they were most thankful for, telling them how much they appreciated having them in their life.
We as a class were asked to participate in this. Personally, I don't think the hardest part of writing the letter is the content, but rather choosing the person to write to.
Over the summer, I spent a few weeks at camp. At the very beginning, we were talking about what it means to be a good leader, which led us to ask ourselves who the most important leader in our life is; who the most influential person in our life is. Thinking back to this, I've decided to write to the person who answered those questions for me. Although my parents, sisters, and friends have had a major impact on my life, I chose my grandparents, more specifically my nonna.

Dear Nonna,
Where do I start? You've been in my life since day one, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate everything you've done for me. Ever since I was little and would walk down the street to your house, you've fed, cared for, taught, and loved not only me, but my whole family. Between your baking, check ups, cleaning and hugs, our lives would definitely not be the same without you, along with the wonderful man you married. I still remember when you used to come over every Monday when our parents used to work, and you would get us to help out by cleaning our house. You taught us that it's important to give, to help others, especially our parents. Fast forward a few years and we're old enough to be on our own after school. We've started to become more independent, and though we've learned how to make our dinner, no Kraft Dinner could ever compare to your home made chicken noodle soup and lasagna. This is when you taught us how happy we could make someone just by reaching out over the phone. It was always the same when you picked up on the other end. "Hello, bella!" you would say in the same voice every time. We never got tired of hearing those words from you, even now, all these years later. I could go on and on, reminiscing and reminding you of everything you've taught us through your love, but I don't think this letter would ever reach an end if I did. You're always looking out for us, especially with all the recent events that have happened. You put in so much effort to make sure I stay healthy and happy. I know I can be a lot to deal with sometimes, but you always make time for me, whether I'm at home, your house, or anywhere in between.
Thanks for being in my life Nonna, I love you :)
~Marisa

Now there's a second part to the 'challenge'. In the video, they surprised the participants by asking them to call up the person they wrote the letter to and read it to them. This had such a positive effect on everyone involved, and, though I'm hesitant, I feel like I want my nonna to know how much I truly do appreciate having her in my life. I'm looking forward to hearing that one-of-a-kind, "Hello, bella," on the other end of a phone soon.