November 13th, 2017... your birthday. Today, you would've been 60.

I miss you. I miss you more and more as time goes by. You were my best friend in the whole entire world, and I don't say that lightly. I know every little girl loves her grandpa, but not as much as I loved, and continue to love, you.

I was only in middle school when you passed away. Now I'm a sophomore in college, but still sometimes it feels like it has only been a few weeks without you here because my memories of you are so crystal clear. To this day, I remember word-for-word conversations we had when you were still alive. They still bring the biggest smile to my face. You were always the bright light in my world. Every bad day I had could be fixed by a phone call or long hug from you. You were my rock.

My birthday party in August of 2011 was the last time I saw you before your stroke. Wow, that party was quite the party. That day was quite the day. We had that enormous water slide that year, and as always, you were the life of the party. I remember rolling my eyes and laughing uncontrollably at you the whole party. But I wish I would've spent more time with you that day.. I just thought I had more time with you.

I remember saying goodbye to you and hugging you tight and thanking you for my gift and for coming to my party. Then, as usual, I hugged you once more, not wanting you to leave. I had no idea that was the last time I'd ever really see you...

Life without you is so difficult.

I still think of you every single day, without fail. Sometimes, I still pick up the phone out of habit and try and to call you, and then realize I can't. When I got into my number one college years ago, you were the first person I wanted to know. When I rehabbed from my bad injury, played on the field for the first in months, and ended up winning the MVP medal, I took it to your grave because I couldn't take it to you to show off. You are still such a huge part of my life, and always will be, no matter how much time goes on without you here. I will always cherish the bond we shared, because it truly was one of a kind.

I am so thankful for the time I got to spend with you even thought it wasn't nearly enough.

But I know that you're in Heaven, looking down on me, guiding me towards the life I was meant to live. You have always been my best friend, but now you are my guardian angel, too. I hope there's plenty of beer and pizza in Heaven for you. I love you more than you will ever know.

Love,

Your Little Girl