Missing you never gets easier, but forgetting you is impossible.  There hasn’t been a day that’s gone by without thinking about you, remembering some small generous gesture of yours or trying to replay a conversation in my mind we had (even about the most trivial of things).

When I miss you the most is when I realize how fortunate I was to have you for so long.  I know how lucky I was to have you.  It helps me get through the moments I think about your laugh, your advice, and your love.

But with friends and family, I have a preserved set of memories that can never fade.  Like how you taught me to have class even when those around you lack compassion or warmth.  To always greet others with a smile and treat others respectfully.  To have conviction and integrity, while always standing up for who and what you believe in.  To be kind without ever any expecting anything in return.  And to always cherish every moment you get with your loved ones.  

And though there are many who loved you for your wit, your beauty, and your kindness, there are some who never had the pleasure of meeting you.  To those people, I make sure I honor your legacy, being the sum of the parts you helped to raise for all those years — ensuring that they get to meet the very best of you through me and that they hear your story.  

I hope that you know I have never stopped being your son.  

I hope you know how much I love and miss you.