There are few people you meet who change your life. Sometimes, if you're lucky enough, those people are your family.

My grandpa was one of my heroes growing up; he was the perfect example of a man who possessed quiet strength. I always thought that he would be there to watch me graduate college, have a successful career, and witness me marry the love of my life one day. However, this past New Year's Day, he took his final breath.

On a day when I wanted to look forward to new beginnings, my grandfather's death was not what I had in mind at all. I thought I had more time, but it was simply his time to go.

I really hate death; losing the ones you love is never easy. I grieved for a long time, and there are still times when I'll think of him or see an old picture and lose it. All I can do now is reflect on the times I was able to have with him, and the ways that he influenced my life.

My Pappaw made the best pumpkin bread I've ever tasted in my life, hands down. He was a college athlete, and he always encouraged me on and off the volleyball court; he fully supported me when I chose to attend Baylor and turned down athletic scholarships from smaller schools.

He's the reason for my height, the gap in my front teeth (which is fixed now, thankfully), and why cilantro tastes like soap on occasion (a weird genetic trait).

He was one of the hardest working men I've ever known and did everything with his family in mind. Everyone who knew him would tell you he would have dropped everything to help a friend in need.

There's so much more I could write about him, but, simply put, he was my hero.

I miss him every day, but I know I will see him again one day.