Death is something many people do not know how to cope with even though it is something we encounter quite often. The loss of someone we love is not an event that we immediately know how to react to with anything other than tears or sometimes even anger. A lot of the time people find a way to cope as time goes by and they have a positive reaction when thinking of that person. But what happens when you still don't have the strength to let go? You're gone, but I still wake up everyday thinking you're going to be here.

1. The pain of hearing their name.

Even if I just overhear your name in conversation I feel my heart drop. It has been many years since you have gone but my wounds still feel very fresh. Something as simple as one word can take me down and make me an emotional wreck. Who would have ever thought I would be sitting here today crying because someone said your name?

2. You want people to know about them, sometimes.

I want people to know about you and the great person you were, but when I try to talk about you, I just want the other person to go away. Sometimes it's hard to find the right words to say to really show how great you were. I have never met another person as selfless as you. I haven't met another person yet that is so eager to tell people about God. There is nothing more I want than to tell the whole world how great you were, but there are no words that don't bring pain.

3. You cry when you do something they would love.

There are constant reminders of you everyday in my life. Which means there are many tears and moments I need alone. I graduated and started college without you. This year, you should be joining me, but you won't be. The one I love asked me to spend the rest of my life with him, and I just wanted to run and tell you, but I couldn't. I know you're watching over all these great times, but I wish you could be here.

4. You know they're better off, but that doesn't heal.

You are way better off than I could ever imagine being right now. I wouldn't bring you back if I was given the opportunity, but that doesn't make things heal better. Some days I think of how lucky you are to be with our Savior, and that lifts my spirits so much. Then on other days, I'm selfish and I want you back. Heaven is lucky to have you, but we will continue to miss you here.

5. I spend many days waiting to see you again.

There are days that I wake up and all I can think about is how I will see you again, and that helps. There's no rush because I know each and every day you are looking down on me and guiding me through life. I will forever miss you and love you, but I will eventually heal because I know your love for me will last until we meet again