When I was little, I spent every day with you. I was at your house early in the morning and I left later in the afternoon. I voluntarily spent numerous weekends with you because I loved it so much. You were my great grandpa, my babysitter, my best friend. You were my papa.

When I was 10, I got the news that you ware no longer here with us. It was hard to cope with your passing because you had such a big impact on my life, but the whole family got through it together.

Knowing you were gone was difficult for a while. I tried to just remember all the good times we had together. I just had to think about how we made frequent trips to get candy at "the candy store," the sleepovers at your house on Friday nights, and how you did what most grandparents do, you spoiled me.

It's been almost 11 years since I lost you, but sometimes it's still a shock that you're gone.

It was just too soon. I was only 10. I wanted you to be there for my milestones in life. I wanted you and my little brothers to form a bond like the one we had. I hoped that we could continue our little candy and Hardee's runs on Saturday mornings, even though I wasn't a little kid anymore.

I still miss you every day, but I just think about how lucky I am.

I think about how, somehow, I got lucky enough to spend your last night here, eating ice cream with you at your house. I didn't know that would be your last day, but I got to spend it with you. I think about how I was lucky enough to grow up with someone like you to watch over me. I think about how even though you're gone, you're still watching over me. I know that I was lucky to have you in my life, even if our days together were numbered.

I am thankful that I did get the time with you that I did.

I miss you every day and I wish we would have gotten more time together, but I know that you've got my back, even if you're not here with me anymore. And one more thing, I love you.