Morrie,

Over this past week, I've had a memory stuck in my head. I remember a couple years ago when you had just purchased a model replica of an old-timey general store. You took off the roof and showed me all of the intricate details, all of the incredible craftsmanship. You seemed really excited about the whole thing, and I kinda just stood there, nodding my head.

I wish I could go back to that time. Back then, I didn't know you too well, and honestly, I still don't. Heck, I didn't even know you owned a funeral home until I started attending college. But I knew that you loved those models. You loved your little tractors, displaying them proudly on your shelves. I don't know if I ever said this, but I actually thought it was kinda cool. I liked walking around and looking at all the little models that you kept.

It's a bit late now, but I wanted to thank you. As this week went along, I realized something incredible. You are the only grandpa I've ever really known. My grandpa Bushey was always sick, hardly interacting with anyone. When he died while I was 7, I was unsure of how to feel since I'd never known him. But you have been there for a good majority of my life. I remember you showing up for my National Honor Society induction ceremony. I was surprised you showed up, but I really appreciated it. I don't think I ever told you that.

So, thank you, Grandpa. I don't believe I've ever called you that, but it's true. You are my grandpa, and...I'm going to miss you. I'm so sorry for not getting to know you better. If I could, I would go back and do things differently, but there's not time left. I know I'lll see you again in heaven, though, and once I'm there, I'd like to make up for lost time. Until then, though, I will try and remember that you're in a better place. I love you.

-Your grandson, Nick