My poppy was the most amazing person I ever knew. He was funny. He was smart. He was kind.

He lived in New York, where my mom grew up, most of my childhood. But he never missed a grandparents day, birthday, graduation or holiday here in New Jersey. I vividly remember him coming to visit on weekends and me being wide awake early as ever, waiting for him to pull into the driveway.

He always had bagels, cookies, bread and sometimes even White Castle burgers. He managed to bring something insanely cool that he found at work in the weeks since his last visit and prior to the current one.

He told the best stories. He had the funniest sayings and always knew how to make me laugh.

On December 31st, 2013, not only did another year come to an end but, for me and my family, so did the life of someone who meant more to us than any new year could.

I'll never forget this day, the sound of my mom's voice when she told me and the instant pain I felt.

During the holiday season, especially as the new year approaches, I can't help but wish he was here.

This year, it feels especially hard. I had just finished my first semester of college when he passed. Now I'm getting ready to start my last semester. The thought of him not being there when I walk across that stage in May breaks my heart more than anything in the world.

Every single day I think about him. I think about how proud he would be of me. I think of his stories and sayings. I think of his Frank Sinatra ringtones.

I feel like this next year of my life is going to be more for him than any other year has. As I get ready to graduate college, get a full-time job and really become an adult, I'll be thinking of him.

I can still hear him tell me he'll "see me 'round like a donut", or he'll "see me through the week or he'll see the window."

Sometimes, what makes me miss him even more is knowing my little cousins will never know him the way I, my sister, and other cousin got too. But he loved us all more than anything in this whole world.

I know he's proud of us all, way more than we probably know. So I'll continue to think of him anytime I eat White Castle, drink out of his Redskins mug, or come across Yankees gear.

I'm lucky to have the best guardian angel out there, but I miss him more than ever.