Another year passes without you and things still don't feel right. Lately, I've reflected on how much I miss you. Losing someone you love is never an easy part of life. No matter how many years it's been, it never gets easier.

It's been so hard not having you here. It's currently my senior year and there are so many things I wish you could be here for.

It breaks my heart to think about how you won't get to see me all dressed up for prom. You won't get to watch me walk across the stage at graduation. You won't get to see my acceptance letters to colleges, and I can't call you up to tell you how excited I am. You won't get to know that I plan on being a nurse and that you are a huge part of the reason why.

Even though I wish you were still here for all of those things and more, I know you're in a much better place.

When I lost you, I lost a piece of me too. Missing you is a pain that accompanies me every day. I go through times where I miss you so much, that it's hard to even get out of bed.

Despite those days, I have the days filled with happy memories of you. I let my mind wonder about who you would be today and it keeps me going.

In each of my days, I'm lucky enough to see little reminders of you; reminders that tell me you will always be a part of me.

I hope you would be proud of who I am today. I try to incorporate the things you taught me into my life every single day. I aspire to have a kind and caring heart like you did. You always helped others, despite the situation.

It's because of you that I want to be a nurse. When you were diagnosed with cancer, all I wanted was to help take care of you. Looking back now, I can see that I want to impact the lives of people who are sick, just as you were.

Because of you, I have so many great childhood memories. You were the father I never had, my secret keeper, and most of all, my best friend.

We had a bond that will never be broken; and no one could ever take your place. I carry your memory in my heart, and I will forever.

So, to the big half of my heart in heaven, I miss you so.

I'll see you again someday.
I love you more, Papaw.