Dear Grandpa,

As the anniversary of your passing approaches, I realize how hard these past nine and a half years have been without you. We always had a special relationship and when you passed on to a better place, it was my biggest blow. I not only lost my grandfather but my best friend, my hero, my inspiration, and my only father figure. You were the light of my life, and I was yours. You always made an effort to make me smile, and you gave me the best memories you could have before you became sick. They always say a girl's first love is her father, but lucky for me it was you.

I remember how scared I was of you. Being a small little kid, you were practically a giant being six feet tall. You used to chase me around the dining room table when I refused to kiss you, you let me stay home from school when I was "sick," and you always took me on an adventure. Whether we went to Toys R US or to an amusement park, as long as I was happy you were too.

I remember how much you loved Cyndi Lauper. How you'd always sit in the same chair watching sports. When that chair became empty, I realized the impact that it would have on my life.

Every memory I have of you I hold dear to my heart, I couldn't have asked for a better grandpa, or for a better person to help raise me. You never failed to make me happy and you were always there when I needed someone to talk to. You held my hand when I was scared, protected me from my fears and always told me the truth even when others thought I couldn't handle it.

I remember when you got sick when you had your stroke. You couldn't communicate and it ached to talk to you and not hear your voice replying back, but somehow you always gave a sign that you were listening. I remember one of the last times I saw you, I could have sworn you mouthed to me, "I love you." Even if I had imagined this, I'd like to think it was real. You protected me from my father, you made sure my happiness was the top priority, and you always worried about me.

I love and miss you every day. You were my hero and everything I do, I do for you and grandma. I hope you're up there in heaven with Aunt Jackie, Grandma Josephine and your sister looking down and guiding me. The world without you is a sad and scary place, but thankfully I have some of the best women raising me. I'm lucky enough to know the world with the best grandfather in it, and I can't ask for any more than that.

One of my favorite quotes is, "Whatever you do in life will be insignificant, but it's important that you do it. Because no one else will." Whatever I do in life, I know it may not be of importance, but I know it will be important to you.

I love and miss you more and more each day and I hope to see you again someday in the future. Goodbye isn't forever, and I'll meet you in the garden.

Love Always,

Your granddaughter