Losing a parent is never easy, especially at a young age. Childhood is supposed to be filled with happiness and having two parents, together or separated, take care of you and watch you grow. No child should have to grow up as fast as I did, and no child deserves to lose a parent young. Losing a parent taught me lessons that my friends today still don't understand. I had to mature faster than others and watch my mom raise me alone.

It never seemed fair, and it never quite hit me that you were gone. I miss your smile, your jokes, and most of all your delicious cooking. I think about you wherever I go, and I know that you will guide me on to whatever is right for me. You taught me what it meant to never take no for an answer, and to never accept the fact that I was "out" at a softball game. I've grown up a lot since you left, and somehow I've been able to manage. Holiday's have never quite been the same, but somehow I have become accustomed to the missing piece. I can still picture you sitting down last at dinner to always make sure everyone was eating.

As I get older, I realize how much I have grown up since I lost you. People don't understand what it feels like, and no one can make the feeling go away. But most of the time I am okay, and I know that's because you made me strong. I know you're proud of me and all my accomplishments. I hope I can make you proud of whatever I aspire to do. Although I wish you could've been there for the big accomplishments like prom, graduation and starting college; I know you were right there watching over me, cheering me on.

I think about you whenever I do something, and I will think of you on my wedding day like you told me. I know you will be sure I have the best life possible, and that you'll guide me to success. Whenever I feel doubt, you bring me happiness, and whenever there is darkness you bring me light. I hope you're watching me write this and know how much I appreciate and miss you. I hope you watch "Harry Potter" and "Ratatouille" every night like we used to because I still think of you every time I watch them. You are always on my mind, and I miss you every day.

Some days are worse than others, but I know that you are always watching over me making sure I get through it. I'm thankful for the time I did get to spend with you, although I wish those days weren't cut so short. No one can ever replace you, and no one will ever take your place as my parent. I wish you were still here to meet your grandkids and my future kids, but I will be sure to tell them all about you and the memories we made before you were gone.

I will never forget you

Love,

Your Daughter