Hey you,
How are you doing? How's your wife, and your life?
*No response...still*
And, unfortunately, you don't know anything about me either.
I remember the days where you would visit us every week. I remember when you would always take us to Wendy's in your Jeep and I'd get a chicken nugget kids meal with the really good liquid cheese on the side. I remember how you would let me ride on your back like a cowgirl and put an Easter egg over your eyes so I could give you a "tan." I remember feeling like I was in a dream when we rode in a convertible and went to a party where you taught me some line dances. I remember you were there for every birthday, every dance recital, and every Christmas.
I remember a lot of our memories, but I don't remember when we spoke for what was apparently the last time.
I was nine. My family and I were packing up what seemed to be our entire lives when I moved down to South Carolina and stayed with a friend so I could finish school. You were so willing to help my Mom pack box after box once I was gone and seemed truly heartbroken when it was time to say goodbye. But I didn't know that was when you were saying goodbye to me forever.
I tried sending you emails (because that was hip then... as a tween), shoot I even got my email address for the purpose of emailing you, and still use that email address to this day. I tried calling you and leaving you voicemails eventually begging you to call me back. After not hearing a thing, I sent another email and Mailer Daemon sent back that you closed your account. After that, I called you once again and your number was disconnected, and it was then that I realized that I was disconnected from you.
If I would've known that the last time I saw you was the last time I would have anything to do with you, I would've mustered up something more meaningful to say. Instead of saying 'talk to you soon,' I would've said 'thank you for the memories.' I would've made the final hug last longer and my smile even brighter.
Out of all of this, I want to thank you. Thank you for being there for me when you were there, and being a role model for me. Thank you for making me a stronger person and a well-rounded individual. You've given me a tougher soul and a strong ability to trust deeply versus widely, and I appreciate you for that.
However, if for some reason you come across this on the web one day, I want you to know that I am doing okay. I am in college pursuing the degree of my dreams with the plans of becoming a high school band director. My parents are doing well and we as a unit have become really close over the years.
Regardless of what has happened, I hope you're out there doing okay too. I hope you and your wife are living in a nice home, wherever you are, and that you are happy together. I just pray that you are happy, like I've always wanted you to be... with or without me.
Thank you for everything, and I wish you the best in everything.
Sincerely,
The Grandchild Left Behind