To the one that I lost:

I miss you.

Every day someone loses something. We lose pencils in the rowdy school hallways, luggage throughout the crowded airport, and our favorite pair of earrings down the drain. Every day we lose something and we move forward. The world continues to spin, but what about when we lose someone? What about when we lose a loved one so near and dear to our heart that the tears never cease? What do we do then?

At a young age I lost two very special men in my life, both my papaw and my grandpa. One can only imagine the devastating outcome for a young girl. It seemed that there would never come a week that would grow easier, a birthday that would be as celebratory, or holiday full of love, but eventually we pull ourselves together. Today, I still miss them every single day. Every day I think of each of them and smile. Every day God guides me to understand that they are still with me in my heart for forever and always.

This is for every person that has lost someone close to their heart. Someone that loved, protected, and guided them every step of the way. Someone that was perfect in their eyes. This for each and every one of you!

Dear You,

Life has not been easy or simple since the last time we shared words or hugs. I have struggled and grown into a new person throughout my roller coaster teenage years. The family has multiplied and we have found new love, new hope, new outlooks, and ourselves. We know that you have been with each of us every single step of the way. I keep going because the Lord reminds me that we will meet again someday soon.

First and foremost, a thank you for blessing me with the finest parents in the world. Thank you for teaching each of them right from wrong. Thanks for ensuring that they would do their best in every aspect of their lives because you never allowed them to quit. Thanks for showing them the meaning of true love every day. Thank you for working hard at every job you ever had, so they have learned the true meaning of perseverance. Thank you for raising them in homes filled with Lord’s Word and faith because they are two of the godliest people I know. I could only hope to be half the person they each have grown to be. Thanks for making me, me. Each of the skills that you have shared and passed along to my parents has been instilled in me for my entire life.

Of course apologies are in order. Sorry for not always doing as I as I was told, but in my defense that was many years ago. Sorry for leaving a mess on the living room floor and crawling into your bed when I was scared of the dark. I am sorry that as you watch over me I have not always done my best or given everything my all. You have witnessed some of my least proud moments and for that I apologize sincerely.

Lastly, a simple I miss you, a lot. I miss our weekend-long sleepovers and pillow fights. I miss your pancakes, silly jokes, and funny nicknames. I miss your laugh and smile. I miss the way you constantly watched the news and rocked me in your chair. I miss your bear hugs and corny lines. I miss us every single day and wish that I could have more moments with the one that I lost. Oh how I love you with my whole heart, but I’ll always be your thumper and your rugrat.

This for everyone that has lost someone near and dear to their heart. The sadness never ceases, but only grows easier to deal with. Every day we grow and change and we miss the ones we have lost. Every day I know that everything is going to be OK because I will see theme all again someday soon.