I remember the day that you left forever. I was 11-years-old. Eleven years too young to understand what was happening and why it happened to someone so kind and innocent like you. A question that will always be left unanswered and will continue to run around endlessly through my head.

People say that life goes on, but I have a hard time comprehending that quote because yes, life does go on, but how do we continue to live when we know that somebody we truly loved could have been there to watch our milestones in life?

To that person that left this world too soon, this one is for you.

Your countless kisses and hugs lifted me into the air. You surrounded me with a type of love that is rare to find: one that is irreplaceable and one that cannot be topped. I would be gone for a few seconds to get the toy that I left in the other room and I would come back only to be swinging in your arms and laughing. The smile that I had when you were around was uncontrollable. The only time you looked down at me was when you caught me looking up into your eyes and wishing that one day I would be able to show as much love to everyone as you did.

I thank you for spoiling me unconditionally with your time here and for being a huge part of my life, but I wish it did not have to end as soon as it did.

I wish you could have been there when those kids picked on me in middle school, but I know you would have filled my mind with the thought of them just being jealous of me and I would have believed you and I still would.

I wish you could have been there for my first day of high school because I know you would have woken up early with me to drop me off at the bus stop at 6:47am.

I wish you could have been there when I got my permit and could have driven around with me listening to whatever music was hip back then, maybe some old school Britney or Shaggy.

I wish you could have been there the day I passed my driving test because you would be the first person I would tell, well, besides my mom and dad of course. I would have driven you anywhere you would have liked, probably somewhere with ice cream and chocolates. You always did have a sweet tooth.

I wish you were there when I got dressed up for prom and took pictures. You would have told me how much I have grown and waved goodbye to me from the driveway as the limo drove away.

I wish you were there when I received my acceptance letter to college. We both would have jumped and screamed. Well, I still did scream when I knew I was going somewhere, but extra noise and excitement wouldn't hurt anyone.

I wish you were at my high school graduation because I know you would have gotten there a few hours in advance to make sure you sat front and center with your camera charged and had a few extra cameras just in case one of them was not working. You were always prepared, weren't you?

I wish you could have been there the night before I left for college. I was so excited, but yet so nervous all at the same time. I really needed that hug from you that night and I probably would have fallen asleep in the warmth of your arms.

I wish you could have been there for my first Thanksgiving home from college so I could tell you how much I loved it there and how many friends and memories I was making.

I wish you could have come with me abroad. I wish you were there when I returned so I could tell you how many beautiful people I met and how my whole world opened up.

I wish you were there when I received my college diploma. Physically, I know you weren't there, but spiritually I believed you were. That was a heck of an accomplishment itself, and I know that you would have felt the same way.

I wish you could have seen me right after I nailed my first job interview. Maybe we could have celebrated with some champagne or relive old times and make Root Beer Floats instead. I like that idea better actually.

I wish you could come to my wedding and dance with me. You would have told me how beautiful I looked and how happy you were for me and how proud you were of me.

I wish you could have seen me grow and grow with me.

One of the many things that I will continue to cherish was your unconditional love. You had the heart of a saint. I can't wait for the day for us to meet again, but until that time, I know you'll be watching over me as I grow and conquer my goals. To the people who have left us too soon, we cherish your presence and will continue to appreciate the love and memories you have provided us with during your time here and wish we could have extended it for a little bit longer or maybe even forever. Your love will continue to grow in our hearts and around us forever and always.