Dear Pop-Pop,

I miss you. I knew that I would, but it's somehow... different. Not what I was expecting. It comes and goes, I suppose. I miss you when I pass by the sign that reads "Kanopolis Lake - 5 miles ahead." I miss you when I pass by a room in my dorm at college, and hear someone playing the Les Miserables cast album, and I miss you whenever I see Grandma, knowing that your example of love for her was all that I ever wanted for myself. But, more acutely, I miss you whenever I need a hug. You always gave the best hugs. You were never the first to pull away, knowing that I would when I was ready. And you were always willing to hold me for as long as I needed, never asking questions, never giving advice, just holding me until I was strong enough to release you.

You were always there for me. You always wanted to know when my school events were, and you always came to them, no matter what. You came to every choir concert, every school play, every swim meet, and even every horrible middle school orchestra concert, where I'm sure your love of music and performance was tested. You always came, and no matter how I did, you always said, "Well done, kid." And afterwards you would buy me ice cream, knowing that that was my favorite part of any performance night. I thought you'd always be there to hug me, or watch me perform, or buy me ice cream... but it wasn't meant to be. You had to leave me, and I would be lying if I said that I wasn't mad, furious even, that you did. But if there was one thing that you taught me that stuck with me the most, it is that God has a plan for everyone, and that included you.

You were, and still are, one of the most beautiful, kind, generous, and loving men I know. You taught me the importance of family, you introduced me to my love of music and theater, and you believed in me when I doubted myself. And I know that in Heaven you are still continuing to give your famous hugs, listen to people's problems, buy people ice cream, and believing in them when they don't believe in themselves. You are looking down on me, I know this now. And although you will never get to see me walk down the aisle, never get to meet your great-grandchild, and never get to see me achieve my dreams, I am not sad. Because, although I can't see you, touch you, or hear you anymore, I know you are with me always and that you are still looking out for me. This is goodbye for now, but I know I will see you again soon, and I know that when I do you will be there, arms open, and waiting to hug me. And I promise that when that time comes, I will never pull away. I love you Grandpa, and I always will.

Your "kid,"

Kalyn