The pain that I felt after losing somebody very close still makes me feel heartbroken to this very day. Although we did spend holidays and birthdays together and shared memories, I never expected to lose you at an early stage of my life. As I grew up, learned more about responsibility, and accomplished many goals that I had set for myself, you always showed your support. Now that you are no longer in my life, it is more difficult because you were always one of the first people I would call after overcoming a challenging obstacle in my life. Wish I had the opportunity to speak with you again.

After the moment that I heard you were gone, there was a scar left deep in my soul that I thought would never heal. I remember getting up in the morning, during the summer after the phone rang. That's when I was told that you passed away. The pain cut through me like a knife. I had to come to the realization that the person I knew for 19 years was gone forever. Before I attended bereavement groups with family to help overcome my loss, I was frustrated, upset, and shocked that you were gone from my life at the point when I was becoming an adult and beginning my first year of college.

After a few months, I began to understand that I needed to stay motivated and become successful because it is what you wanted me to do. I continued to do well in school. There were activities and clubs I started to attend and became more active in the community. My interest in art happened after I saw the drawings and paintings that you made. Your love for music inspired me to take guitar lessons, which I did years later.

Six years ago at the wake, I was able to cheer up my family by telling them stories about your life and how you made everyone laugh with your great sense of humor. Going bowling, attending Long Island Ducks Games, and family picnics are my favorite memories. I know that you will be proud of all my accomplishments.

I love you, Dad, and miss you every day. Just want to say I am thankful for all the times we spent together. Life is getting more difficult, but you were one of the people in my life that helped me to become a better person.

Even though you were only in my life for a short time, I appreciate that you were in it. I hope that you are at peace where you are. Usually, people do not realize how much someone means to them until they are gone. Although I will get older, learn new things, face challenges, and meet new friends, no matter how difficult things get, I will remain strong because of the life lessons you taught me. I might not feel well physically, mentally, or emotionally some days, but my spirit will never be broken.