Hey Dad,

Although you've been gone now for almost seven years, there are so many things that I have wanted to say to you, things I never got the chance to tell you or express to you before you were taken from me.

Dad, you were my best friend, the person that I always knew I could run to with any problem. You were such a loving and selfless person. You always prioritized our family and made each and every one of us know how much you loved us. Your absence from my life is not something I will ever be okay with. I miss you every single day, and I know I always will. Learning to adjust to a life without you in it was one of the toughest things I have done.

Not only did I lose my dad, but I also lost my best friend.

I admire how hard you worked to keep us happy. Your work ethic is something I strive to imitate. You always made sure to meet your deadlines and finish your projects while also being an active member of our family. Thank you for always putting the family first. I will never forget our family dinners. Getting to have that time with you every night was my favorite part of the day. The now empty chair at the dinner table still sends a chill down my spine every time I see it.

Our Sundays that we spent riding horses and getting bagels is a memory I will cherish forever. The hours that you took on your day off to do something that made me happy is something I am so grateful for. I hope to one day share a hobby with my son or daughter because knowing I had a few hours of uninterrupted dad time every Sunday would lift my spirits on even the worst days.

You were always my number one fan in every sport I played and at every school concert. From my horrid violin playing in third grade to my lacrosse games, you always set time aside to come and support me, and it meant so much to me.

Not having you at my high school graduation and knowing you will not be walking me down the aisle when I get married is something that brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it. Who am I going to dance with for the father-daughter dance?

Lastly, Dad, I want to thank you for all the things you taught me growing up. You taught me the value of hard work. Whenever I got home from school after getting a test grade back, I would run to your office downstairs and tell you the grade I got. If it wasn't a 100% you would ask, "Why didn't you get a 100?" This taught me to always do my best in everything I do in life and to always put in all my effort to get a result I would be proud of. You also taught me to stand up for myself and what I believe in.

Your absence from my life is still something I'm in shock of. Knowing I will never be able to see your face or hear your laugh ever again makes me feel sick. It's a hard reality to admit to, but I am slowly forgetting what your voice sounded like, and it kills me. To this day, I will remember the last hug you gave me and the last thing you said to me: "I love you Ea." The love you blessed our family with was enough to last a lifetime, so I know I'll always have it.

I love you so much, Dad.

Your grateful daughter who misses you immensely,
Olivia