I just want to say something to you, for everyone who has ever experienced you,

Thank you.

At the time, you were hated. But you were needed. At the time, I didn't understand you. But now I do.

Anyone and everyone has gone through grief, and if you haven't, bless your soul. Because there is some growth in your future.

Yes, growth. When going through a troubled time of losing a loved one, you find yourself to be lost at a certain point. It's kind of like you have a mental standstill. You think thoughts like, "What's life going to be like moving on?" "How many times is it okay to think about that said person?" All tons of thoughts good or not pop up.

And believe it or not, that helps you grow. You learn a lot more of life when you lose a part of yours. Whether that is a pet, a family member, or anything few and far between, grief is a hell of a professor. It breaks you and then builds you. The classic test, before the lesson kind of thing.

For several individuals, including myself, grief establishes a life motive. A theme in your life if you must. You don't take things for granted, there's not a lot you don't appreciate. It's like the whole meaning of life and how you view the world changes. Your veil of ignorance gets lifted briefly.

My Dad passed away when I was 15. At that time I didn't really know who I was, I was just trying to fit in. I was a boy.

After my father died, I became a man.

I had to. It's the 180's of 180's. However as strange as it is, I wouldn't want that pain again of course, but I wouldn't want it any other way at the same time. I learned how to help myself get through something so powerful, and be someone you could look up to when someone else went through the same thing. Countless others I have been able to help and advise, based on what I went through. Grief gave me knowledge and toughness. Gave me a theme of loving everyone as much as I could. Gave me a theme of being my own man instead of being like others. I would not be here if it weren't for grief. And I am one small person on a much larger planet. As horrible as grief is, imagine the good it has done building others like me. Thank you.

So this is a big thank you to grief itself. For shaping millions if not billions of lives. Sometimes we don't understand you, a lot of times we repent you, but all of the time you teach us something. You may be cruel, you may hurt, but you shape.

Thank you grief for making me the man I am today, and allowing others to not take things or people for granted.