There's always at least one person in your family that you deem your "favorite." This person could be your parent or a cousin, for me, it was my Uncle Dustin. He was my best friend and partner in crime. When I was nine years old he was killed in a car accident and the day that we found out will forever be burned in my mind. This is an open letter to my Uncle Dustin.

It's been almost twelve years since I heard the news. Finding out a family member has died is hard at any age but to find out that your uncle who was also your best friend was killed in an accident when you're nine years old is something that can't be explained. The emotions that I felt that day I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

You were twenty-three. Twenty-three years old and I am now about to be twenty-one, which is so close, and starting to feel how short life can really be. You were so young when you left us, but God needed you in Heaven more than we needed you here.

Do you know how loved you were and still are? Your funeral had standing room only. There were people lining the walls to pay their respects. I can't begin to tell you how important you were to all of those people and it is impossible to put into words what you meant to me but this is my attempt.

You weren't just my uncle, you were my best friend, my confidant, and my favorite human being. You always made sure I was taken care of and made sure I kept up with my grades. I'll never forget all the trips to SciQuest if I managed to get As on my report card. I'll never forget riding in your truck listening to your music which, if we're being honest, a nine-year-old probably shouldn't have been listening to.

I remember one year for my birthday, I'm pretty sure it was the one right before you died, you bought me a prepaid cell phone without telling my parents. You somehow managed to convince them to let me keep it. I still think about you every single day and whenever I do I get almost as emotional as that first day. Some days are harder than others even twelve years later.

I know you aren't physically here but sometimes I feel like you're sitting right next to me cheering me on. I felt you when I got accepted to my number one college choice, I felt you when I graduated high school, and I feel you now as I'm writing this. You will always be in my heart until the day we're reunited in Heaven.

Dustin, you meant a lot to a lot of people. I can't begin to explain the impact your death had on so many hearts. I find solace in the fact that someday I will see your smiling face again and give you the biggest hug I've ever given. I know you and your dog, Shiloh are up there playing together and you've probably never been happier.

I love you Dustin. Forever and Always.

In Loving Memory of Dustin Wayne Lassiter 1983-2006