Dear Grandpa,

There is so much I wish I could tell you in person. It has been so long since our last ever call, but you told me something I would never forget. It took everything you had to tell me, "I love you, God Bless and goodbye." This was the most painful phone call I thought I would ever have until I received the call that you had passed away. I don't want to focus on the sadness though, I want to focus on what you always told me at the end of our daily phone calls.

"I am proud of you kiddo!"

You always told me how proud I made you no matter what I was doing in my life. Since the first time you told me this, I have promised myself that I would do everything I could to make sure you would never been less proud or disappointed in me.

You taught me so many lessons and gave me goals to shoot for. I will never settle for a man who is any less of the man you were. I will never take crap from anyone and I will work as hard as I can to earn what I deserve. I have had the privilege to learn your work ethic and strong nature from mom and have learned to stand up from myself.

I have never met a more noble man who fought for our country, provided for his family and worked as hard as a man could. On the outside you seemed like a big tough guy who cursed like a sailor, but on the inside you were the most warm hearted man with the kindest intentions. All of the lessons you left with me inspire me to be a better person every day and I really hope I am making you proud.

Since you have been gone I have donated my hair 3 more times, graduated high school, started my college career as a science major, switched it to education, volunteered in Asia for 40 days, joined a community service fraternity and have even earned the VP of Service position.

I have set high goals for myself and have been able to accomplish goals I would've thought impossible for myself without your resting words in my heart, "I'm proud of you kiddo!". You know how much I miss you and love you, but most importantly I want to say thank you. Thank you for being such a role model for me and inspiring me to be someone I can be proud of.

You are in my heart every day, but every morning I see our family photo on my wall and am reminded of all of my goals, no matter what other stress is on my mind. I want to make you as proud of me as you always told me you were.

Also, thank you for giving me the best mom in the world.

As always...

Lots of love,

xoxo