Hey Grandpa,

It has been awhile, but I wanted to say hello. Being a big old star up there must be an exhausting job. Even so, I know it's one you treasure. You see, down here has been a little hard lately. It's been a struggle to try and get over the fact you are gone.

I just wanted to write to you to reassure that no matter what, I am never going to let you go.

From as far back as I can remember, you have been a part of my soul I'll cherish all my life. You taught me how to swim. You taught me how to drive. You taught me to see the good in everyone I meet. But most importantly, you taught me how to live.

There needs to be a certain balance in a person's life. There must be a mixture of understanding, confidence, and trust. The people you meet along the way are the passing stones of your life, no matter how significant, or insignificant, they may seem. We all are different. We all have a story. A smile across a counter says a thousand things. I always 'keep on smiling' because of you.

To get anywhere in this world, you must practice. You must build a momentum to drive your passion miles from where you began. You need to sing until your lungs give out, play until your fingers cramp, and count your lucky stars as you dart through each experience life throws at you. Because of you I take nothing handed to me for granted, because I know I had to work to get it.

Your definition of "love" and the encompassment of it is the kicker of it all. You were a man that was honest, genuine, and most of all, generous with love. With Grandma, no one else mattered. Your heart was full of endless embraces and you made her your queen. With mom, you wore your heart on your sleeve to give her the life she deserved, no matter what the circumstances. And as for me, you showed me not only how to love, but how I want to be loved. Every 'I love you' wasn't just a phrase to take up space, but the nakedness of how you really felt. You loved with your whole being, and I love you with all of mine.

As each day passes and reminds me of a little piece of you, I take a moment to look to the sky and think. I think about my life, my accomplishments, and my journey. I think of the lives touched by you and hope that I can do the same. I think of how much you loved me, and I think of how much I love you.