We have probably all been there. We have had that one friend, that one person in our lives, who left us way too soon.

Maybe you got sad, or angry, or maybe you're the lucky one who is finally at peace with why and how this person left the world we live in. Bottom line, he or she is gone, and when you're a control freak like myself, that can feel utterly hopeless and painful.

To my friend who is gone, I miss you.

To my friend who is gone, I never dealt with your passing when it happened. And for that I'm sorry, to you and to myself.

To my friend who is gone, I'm dealing with it now. Almost two years later. It's hard. It's really, really hard. Gut-wrenching, exhaustingly hard.

To my friend who is gone, you left too soon. You were a bright, beautiful young soul, and the world needs more people like you.

To my friend who is gone, I could spend hours hoping and praying you will come back, only to open my eyes and realize that won't ever happen.

To my friend who is gone, I overanalyze the last time we talked in my head each and every day. What did I say? Could I have been more helpful? Did you need me?

To my friend who is gone, I hope you have found peace. I hope the place you are now wraps you in comfort and joy.

To my friend who is gone, we will be okay. We are okay. But there is something missing since you've been gone. There's a shadow in the corner that can't be filled by the brightest sun or the biggest light. And that is the hardest part.

To my friend who is gone, I know you can't come back. But I do hope I see you again.

To my friend who is gone, please know how loved you are. There are people here on Earth who love you beyond words, and I hope you hold that close.

To my friend who is gone, I'll try to grieve peacefully. But sometimes, I cry until my gut hurts and I get angry that you aren't here to experience life's biggest and smallest moments. Please don't be offended, know that this is me dealing with your absence.

To my friend who is gone, I miss our car rides together.

To my friend who is gone, know that we love you. And today, today was a good day. Because instead of writing about the news or a social injustice, I got to write about you. A bubbly, warm-hearted person who made the world brighter with his smile. Days like this are good.