To my Angel in Heaven,
They say that death changes everything, but time does not.
First off, I want to say that I miss you. I miss hearing your voice, your laugh, and your jokes. I miss spending hours on the phone or on Skype with you talking about anything from how your day was going to advice to random things that made us both smile.
You were always there, no matter what. When I had made a mistake or if I was frustrated about something, you were also there telling me how I could've done something differently or telling me that I needed to rethink the situation if I wanted the outcome to be in my favor. You always knew what to say to make any terrible situation better.
Secondly, I would like to say that you were taken too soon. I cried a great deal the day I found out you were gone, until something magical happened.
I remember that I was sitting outside on my porch, resenting God for taking you too soon and trying to process that I would no longer speak to you again. After about 15 minutes of doing this, a butterfly came and sat on my leg, and that's how I knew you were in Heaven gaining the peace you deserved.
Next, I want to say that you taught me an ocean of things dealing with how to accomplish what I want to be in life, how to be more compassionate, responsible, independent, confident, and so much more.
But, I would say that the most important thing you've taught me would be to never give up on myself, no matter how hard times may get.
Lastly, I would like to say that you were loved by many people, especially myself and my family. You made such a huge impact on my life that my mom couldn't even tell me right away that you were gone because she was in such a great deal of shock and pain. You were the first angel Heaven gained that I was close with and your loss was something new to me that I've never experienced before.
Playing my clarinet at your funeral and remembering that the sun was shining through was your way of saying goodbye. It was also your way of telling me that it was OK to mourn, but to not dwell on it forever. Every time I've touched my clarinet after that tragic day, I think of you.
In the cemetery, you're buried by what my family calls "The Tree of Life," because even though you're no longer here on Earth, you are still alive in the air that we breathe produced by that one tree. I can feel you every day with me and I know that you're watching over me along with your loved ones and are protecting us every day.
You're finally enjoying what it's like to walk, run, and be free again, and I'm joyful that you get that opportunity. Even though you're no longer here physically, you hold a very special place in my heart. I love you and miss you, Papa John.
Sincerely,
Your goddaughter
