A year without a beloved soul is a year no one wants to face. It is a hole that is initially surrounded by sadness and grief. But it is also a year of reflecting and the reliving of countless memories that provide happy thoughts and bittersweet smiles. It has been a year without you, Papa, a tough and trying year - but it's been beautifully eye opening. I've had the pleasure of experiencing you in aspects of my everyday life. Memories of who you were and what you loved are sunk deeply into the crooks and crannies of my life now, and I get to carry these pieces of your soul with me every day.

The healing powers of a warm cup of tea. When I was sick, sad, or just not myself, you would pour me a cup of tea and everything got better. We would share sips and sweets while you rambled on and on. Now, I start each day with some tea and the warmth is a hug from you. You are part of my daily routine. We still have our cup of tea every day.

The importance of believing in yourself. Whenever I questioned my intelligence or my ability to achieve my goals, you told me I was capable of anything and that it was ridiculous for me to think otherwise. When I think about skipping class or mistrust my wit, I hear your voice in my head reminding me of how important my education is and how smart I am. I always doubt how smart I am.

Eat the cookie. It was nothing short of a sin at your house if you didn't eat the dessert. Self-shaming of any kind was never tolerated. You ate that cookie and you enjoyed every bite of it. The comfort of unconditional love from you and Nana taught me self-worth, something that fuels my motivation to work hard every day. It is amazing, really, what a cookie from Nana and Papa's can teach you about life.

This past year you have engrained yourself in so many things that I don't feel without you at all. If anything, I feel closer to you. Every morning I start with a cup of tea, I start with you. Every day I go to school, I remind myself of how smart I am because of how much you believed in me. A cookie can instantly brighten my day and reignite my sense of self love. The truth is, Papa, you're everywhere to me now. While this was a difficult year, it was a great year. It was a great year spent with you.