It's been almost 16 years. Yes, 16 long years since you went to your Heavenly home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It's been so hard without you.
I miss you so much during the big occasions in life, from graduations to birthdays, and everything in between. I miss you when I have a big accomplishment in college, primarily when I have an induction in an honor society in college.
I especially miss you in the most difficult times in life. I missed you so much in the aftermath of last year's tornado that hit campus. I knew I could've counted on you to be there to support me and help me work through the anxiety that followed. I also know I could've counted on you to be there when I was going through an exhausting and toxic relationship.
I just miss the little things about you. However, I know God has appointed you to a greater purpose. He has appointed you to be a protector over the rest of the family as we go through life. He has made you our guardian angel.
While it's been hard these past 16 years without you, I know you are always close. You are always near in the midst of trouble. I rest nightly knowing that one day, I will be able to see you in Heaven and worship our Lord and Savior with you.
Until then though, I hope I do everything possible to make you one proud grandfather.