• Aliya Brooks was hugely inspired by her grandmother, Mildred "Millie" Cruzat, who was a dancer. • Millie taught dance and stretching until age 93, and followed a balanced but fun lifestyle. • Brooks started a mobility business to honor her grandmother's legacy.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Aliya Brooks, 25, about her grandmother, Mildred "Millie" Cruzat. Brooks is from Chicago and based in Atlanta. She works in medical device sales and as a stretch and mobility instructor. This story has been edited for length and clarity.

My grandma, Millie, played a huge role in my life. I think a lot of people can relate to being really close to a grandparent and feeling that they understand you more than most. Millie was that person for me.

When I was 2 years old, my m

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