How is it possible? To miss someone you've never met? I didn't really realize it was until the other day. I was thinking about my namesake, my uncle, my dad's brother, who passed away before I was born. I heard my dad in the kitchen telling stories of mundane things they used to do children, and I realized that I missed that. I missed not getting to have my own stories of this person who was so dear to my heart.

While I didn't get to share memories with my uncle, I get to have the next best thing... his name. My parents gave me a gift more precious than gold, they allowed me to be able to carry my uncle's legacy on and for that, I will be forever grateful.

I never met my uncle, but I know how great of a person he was. I get to hear stories from my grandmother and my dad, of all of the things he did during his 22 years on this earth. In just a few short years I will be that age, how is it fair that I get to go about my life while he didn't. What makes me different? My dad always says that life isn't fair and some things just happen. He had so many dreams and aspirations that he, unfortunately, will never get to carry out. Since I get to be here while he lives in heaven I am determined to accomplish every one of my goals in his name.

My family's loss has made me realize how short life is. How we must follow our dreams and live this life to the fullest. How we must learn all we can while we are here, and take every chance or opportunity that is given to us. It has made me understand how we must cherish every single person in our life, especially our loved ones because one day they will be gone and we will never get that time back.

Although I never got to meet you, I miss you. My dear uncle, I miss how I never got to know you. I miss what never got to be. But I am forever grateful for the person I am because of you and the lessons that you have taught me, even though we never even laid eyes on each other. I know you are watching over all of us, and waiting for us to meet one day.

Much Love,

Scottie