Dear Opa,

It’s been a while since we’ve talked like this, but I hope you know that you’re always on my mind. I have thought about you every day for the past 6 years, and I always wonder how different things would be if you were still here. I know you aren’t suffering anymore. I know you’re finally cancer-free. But the selfish part of me still wishes you were here to celebrate birthdays, graduations, and holidays with us.

I hope that wherever your soul is, you are happy. You were a dedicated Christian, so I hope you are in Heaven as you believed you would be. I hope you can see how much we all miss you, but I hope you also know how much we have grown since you’ve left us. I hope you watched as one of us graduated from college and as four of us graduated from high school. I hope you watched as we celebrated Christmas together like we have always done. I hope you watched as we have all accomplished things we have always wanted or things we never would have imagined. I hope you visit our family in Germany as often as you can because I know you loved it there. I hope you watched as Sean and Katie transitioned to high school, and I hope you will continue to watch them throughout their journeys there. I hope you watch Mom as she works hard each day, and I hope you will send her a sign of your pride in her.

Even after 6 years, I know you’re still here with us. Not in the same way, but this way is better than no way at all. I know you’re with us when we’re all together, and I know you’re with us when we’re all separated. I know you’re making sure that we are doing well, and I know you’re probably spending a lot of time watching over Oma. (Thank you for that. She needs you.) I know you send us signs of your presence whenever you can because I don’t think those butterflies are a coincidence. I know you were with us in Germany because I could just feel it. I know you’re here, and that makes it easier.

Thank you for staying with us, Opa. I hope you’re proud.

Ich liebe dich.

Your granddaughter,

Emilie