Grandpa, I feel sorry for anybody who didn’t get the chance to meet you. They sure did miss out on a wonderful human being. Never in my life have I ever met someone like you. To people who didn’t know you, you probably came off as that stereotypical cranky, old man, but to me you were the man I looked up to. I admired your stubbornness and attitude. You were caring and hardworking. You went through so many obstacles throughout your life and you managed to overcome them all. Your family meant the world to you and when it came down to your last days, we were all here for you.

I wish I had more time with you. You were taken too soon from my life. I never wanted you to leave, but the cancer was a thief and stole you from all of us. All I wanted was to say goodbye to you and I didn’t even get that chance. Even though you’ve been gone from my life for a while now, not a day goes by that I don’t think about you. I miss you so much.

There are so many memories you have missed out on such as my high school graduation or meeting my first boyfriend and I know you would have done anything to be able to be there when I got released from wisdom teeth surgery. I can just hear you now laughing at me. Even though you aren't here physically, I know you are always watching over me.

Every day I try to make you proud and I hope you are. I wish you could see the woman I am growing up to be. I am following my dreams and living my life just like you would have wanted. I’m extremely independent and strong-willed just like you. Thank you for teaching me how to be resilient with life’s hardships. Because of you, I’ve learned how to be strong.

I want you to know that I’m taking good care of your best friend. I don’t have to tell you how amazing Grandma is because you already know. She doesn’t let life tear her down and she is one of the strongest individuals I know. Thank you for showing me what true love looks like. Your relationship was passionate and goofy and I know Grandma would do anything to share one last minute with you again.

I now understand why God only takes the best. The selfish part of me wishes you could have stayed here and watched all of your grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up but I know it was your time to be with God. I am so blessed to know that I have the greatest guardian angel watching out for me and we will be reunited one day.

I love you so much Grandpa.