So here we are in 2016. Another year passed, another celebration of bringing in a new year without you. No matter how many days, months, or years it’s been, the pain of realizing how much time I’ve lost with you will never go away.

Losing you was something the family never expected. To us, you were the backbone and foundation of our entire family. Your smile was ever so comforting and the way you always said whatever was on your mind always made us laugh. Holidays are certainly never the same without you and your warm, embracing hugs are surely missed. Now that another new year has rung in, I know I will never truly heal from losing you.

There are so many things I wish I could talk to you about and so many events in my life that I wish you were around to be a part of. As each new year passes, I am reminded of how a whole year’s worth of memories are being shared without you. It isn’t fair knowing that I was short-changed on spending time with you, and I wish everyday that we had more time.

I’m grateful that you were able to see me grow up, but I’m heartbroken that you weren’t able to see me grow even older and more mature. If I had known you were to leave us so soon, I would have asked you so many more questions than I did. However, from what I do know about you, I know that you were an amazing person who lived an extraordinary life.

Although you’re not able to physically be here with me, I feel your presence wherever I go. Right before you left us you told me that if you went, that you would come back as a butterfly. Ever since you left, I’ve never seen so many butterflies pass me at soccer games, track meets, or even while I was walking down the street. I know that you will be with me forever.

Until we meet again, I love you more.