If Heaven wasn’t so far away, there’s a lot that I would want to say. I know you’re watching over me regardless, but I want to talk to you about things the way we used to. Before life got too hectic and became too hard to handle. I want to see how happy you finally are now that you’re resting and in a better place. It’s unfair that my time with you was cut off too short. I really wish you didn’t have to go, but I know you are no longer in pain and you can finally smile again. I think about you all the time and I want you to know I’ll never stop missing you.

I want to hear your voice again

I want to throw back your favorite beers and sing karaoke with the family like we used to. You were always so good at making everyone laugh. I know that you’re looking down smiling as your demons have been lifted and knowing you can be happy again makes me feel okay. I think about you every day and how much it would mean to me to get to talk to you just once more.

I want to tell you how much you are missed and loved.

You were such a huge part of everyone’s life, and you always will be. You’ve shaped my life in a way I will always be grateful for by being such an amazing role model and having the absolute biggest heart. I want to drill it into your head a hundred times that I love you and miss you so much. There is such an empty space in my heart that will always miss you, and it would be so convenient if I could visit you in Heaven and see how you’re doing there.

I want to catch up like old times.

I want to take the time to talk to you like we used to before your disease got the best of you. I want to talk about your love for fishing and how school is going. I want to hear you laugh and see you smile when we talk about the family and old memories like when you tried to snowboard for the first time and flipped down the hill. Looking at old photos and watching old home videos warms my heart, but I wish I could just get in the car to go see you and feel better with one of your hugs.

The day you left, the world was left missing an amazing person. You have affected so many lives in such a positive way and I really hope you know that. Unfortunately, Heaven is too far for me to come visit, but we will meet again someday. Until then, rest in peace and continue to watch over all of us. I know your soul is finally at rest, and I feel at ease knowing you finally do too. I love you forever and always.

RIP Uncle Phil 1/9/69-3/24/16