Content warning: Article discusses drug addiction and abuse

We might not have talked for quite some time, but I want to be perfectly clear— never ever think for a second that you weren't (and still aren't) loved, missed, or cared for.

Not a day goes by that your parents don't sit and wonder what they could have done differently. Your dad just looks absolutely lonesome and heartbroken without you. Your mom can't help but try to hold herself together when you're mentioned in conversations. I'd give anything to be able to lessen their burden just a little bit. When you died, I know for a fact that part of them died, too.

I remember all of the times that we used to hang out and talk about the silliest and stupidest things when we were growing up, and I remember all of those sleepovers, complete with stuffing our faces full of junk food.

I miss that you — the you before the drugs.

I miss your infectious laugh, all of the silly stories that we would make up, and how you would even play along with your invisible friend when you were little. I remember how you told me one time you wanted to teach dance in New York City, and maybe, just maybe, you're up there in the great unknown doing something like that.

But, I also remember who the drugs turned you into. You would lie, hang out with the wrong kinds of people, and you turned into someone that I didn't even recognize. I just wish that I could have said or done something that would have helped you — you were so young and you could have turned your life around completely. Those drugs turned you into someone completely different than the girl that I grew up with, and I'd give anything to be able to live next door to that bright, bubbly girl again.

I don't want you, wherever you are, to ever think for even a second that you're not still loved and missed — you are. I know for a fact that your parents miss you dearly, and my parents, myself, my brother, and all of the friends you left behind miss you, too.

I hope that wherever you are, you've found peace, light, hope, and that you're safe and warm and loved.

I hope that you're watching over your parents. I know that they will always miss their daughter.

I know that losing you has taught me to truly value and hold close the people that are important in life, and I'd give anything to be able to sit down on that old swing set that used to be in my front yard and just talk about nothing and everything with you. I hope that wherever you are, you know that you're missed and loved.

Rest easy, angel girl.