We all have that one person who has for whatever reason left our lives too soon. A friend who we no longer talk to, an ex, or an absentee parent. But no matter how it has happened, any type of loss leaves as merely a shell of the person we used to be. Yet it is in these moments that we must remember that in order for us to have lost something, we must have had something of value to lose.

“Grief is the price we pay for love."

Imagine just for a second that you could have one more conversation with your loved one. What would you say? For me here's what I would say.

I am thankful for you. I am thankful for all the time that we shared and the memories that we made. I am thankful that you were a piece of my own puzzle in this complicated and beautiful thing called life.

I am rooting for you. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, I wish you the best. I hope that you let the world see the amazing person that you are. Never under any circumstances let anyone extinguish your light from within that makes you so special.

I will always be here for you. Although our lives may be different you can always count on me. I will always save a special place in my heart for you and not time, space or our history can change that. Nothing can.

"Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget. "

So for those of you out there struggling with the loss of someone you love I encourage you to remember these simple things. You need to realize that it is not only okay, but that it is vital to forgive. Not only is forgiveness the right thing to do, you deserve to move on with your life. Leave the pain and suffering behind in order to make room for the inevitable happiness that will come and fill its place. Yet with that being said, understand that forgiveness is not easy. Forgiveness is a never-ending process. Somedays will be easier than others, while others will seem to be down right impossible. It is on those days that you must recognize your strength and keep fighting to forgive and know that tomorrow will be a better day.

Treasure the moments that you once shared, don't dwell on the possibility of the memories that could have been because they're just that, possibilities. Realize that your life was forever altered by that one person, hopefully making you a better version of yourself.

"But because I knew you. I have been changed for good. "