“Time heals all wounds,” or so they claim, yet it’s been eight years now and it still feels like yesterday. I would come running up the walkway and you’d be sitting in your recliner waiting for me, pipe in hand, Coors Light by your side. You would be watching some sporting event, usually the Red Sox, and I would sit on the couch and watch with you. It is memories like this that make me wonder why you were taken from us so soon. On January 4, 2008, cancer decided it was your time to go. I was 12 then. I am 20 now.

I become overwhelmed with sadness and anger when I think about all the moments you’ve missed out on. Birthdays, graduations, family vacations, sporting events, the list goes on and on. You used to love watching me play soccer. Since you’ve passed, I have won three state championships and was named captain of the high school team senior year. The Celtics, Bruins, Red Sox, and Patriots have all won World Championships since that dreadful day in 2008. I joined the track team freshman year. To say the least, you would have been intrigued watching me hurdle and triple jump. I turned 16 and got my license. I got my first car and only cracked it up three times. The family went to Bermuda. You would have loved Bermuda. You have missed eight family vacations to Wells Beach, your favorite place on earth. I survived the ups and downs of high school. I graduated and went off to the school of my dreams. I am halfway through college now. In every big moment and even the not so big moments I find myself wishing you were here, wishing you could see how I’m doing. But, then I realize you are here, aren’t you?

You were there when I scored the game-winning goal in my second state championship. You were up there cheering loud and proud, “That’s my granddaughter!”

You were cheering even louder when Malcom Butler made that interception on the goal line. You were up there watching me hurdle and triple jump thinking, “why the hell did she choose these two events?”, but cheering nonetheless. You kept me safe during all my car accidents no matter how disappointed you were in my poor driving decisions. You saw Bermuda and you loved every minute of it, minus the rain. You were on all eight of those family vacations. I swear sometimes I could even smell your pipe in the ocean breeze. You helped get me through the ups and downs of high school, and you were there when I walked across that stage. You were there when I got my acceptance letter, you were there on move in day freshman year, and you have been here ever since. Wherever this life takes me I know you will be up there watching, guiding and protecting. To my angel in the clouds, I thank you, I love you, and I miss you every day. …until we meet again…