I can't even begin to imagine how you feel. I won't even try because trying would be impossible. I don't know that pain, and I hope I don't have to experience it anytime soon. What I do know is how much you loved him. Hearing you talk about the things the two of you use to do, somehow eases my heart that breaks for you. I know that you say you're okay now, but I also know that's far from the truth. You don't have to be okay.

We hear everyone tell us that death is just a part of life. True, but that doesn't mean it's easy. That doesn't mean we should suppress the pain and suddenly be happy; if that was even possible. I wish I could've been there for you when he passed. I wish I could've held you. I wish I could've told you that everything would be alright. I didn't know you then, but I know you now.

What I do know is that your dad raised one heck of a man. You brighten each and every one of my days with your wonderful smile. You have a gentleness about you, but at the same time I know you would be capable of protecting me. You are hardworking and know how to do the little things that most guys don't know how to do these days. You carry yourself well. You're super smart, and I hate to admit it, but you're smarter than me. You are very incredible, and I love everything about you. You help me through my struggles, and through the pain that I still feel from losing my grandpa. How you manage both, I'll never understand. The strength that you put on to deal with losing the one man that mattered the most to you is very inspiring.

I've learned something from dating you. I learned to never take the time I have with my parents for granted. We have this idea of how things are supposed to turn out: couple gets married, couple has children, children grow up and get married, children start having children, couple is supposed to be old and gray and have already met all of their grandchildren, and maybe even some great grandchildren before they pass away. I further realized that's not always an option. Every day we have with the ones we love should be considered a blessing. Every day that we forget to pick up that phone, and call our parents is another day we will never get to.

I wish I could've known your dad. From hearing you talk about him, I know that he must have been one heck of a man as well. Even though he won't get to see you on your wedding day or hold your kids for the first time, I know that he would've been proud of you and the amazing man that you have become. Just know that whenever you feel alone, he's up there watching over you and smiling.