When you lose someone you love, someone that's been by your side since you were born, it feels like a part of you is missing. It feels like you're no longer whole. Every memory aches for them. You can't believe that you could pull up to their house and they wouldn't come walking out of their front door to hug you. It feels unreal.

Death is cruel. Life gives and Death takes away. It's a sad concept but one of the truest things ever said. Everyone has their time to live on this earth and their time to die. Sadly, for some, Death sweeps them up into its cold arms sooner than later. It is not discriminatory against race, gender, or religion. Death does not take into account how much this person is needed by their family and friends. Death does not care.

Despite the sad, brutal nature of Death, Life gives us a way to let go of the ones we love. Their lives make us realize what an amazing person they were, how they impacted the world around them, and how they would want you to do the same. It's Life's purpose to help us see the good in things, despite the awful reality that is Death. Life gives us purpose. Life helps us sing a song of joy amidst the pain.

It is natural and warranted to grieve after a loved one dies. Everyone does it. It is alright to live in disbelief for awhile. It is okay to feel the pain you will inevitably feel. But to remember them is to remember all of the good times that you've shared. To remember them is to carry on their kind spirit, to become the person you were meant to be so that they would have been proud of you. So that they will be proud of you, looking down from above.

Live and impact humanity in their stead. Soon your posterity will do the same for you. Carry on a legacy of humanity and love for those you have lost.

This one's for you, pawpaw. I'm gonna make you proud.