Hello, dear friend. I hope my words don’t disturb your peace.

Since that tragic day, the depth of my grief has been a quiet struggle. Denial clung to me—I held on, waiting for a message from you, a sign that this sorrow was only a cruel dream. I’ve longed to awaken to find you still here, just a smile away, maybe even walking into work one morning, catching my eye and asking, “What’s for breakfast today?”

But today, I realize I must accept this painful reality. Instead of hoping for your return, I’ll hold on to the beautiful memory of you, the essence of all you were. Though you’re no longer with us physically, you’re deeply woven into my heart, not hidden away but shining at the forefront of my thoughts—a steady presence I can turn to whenever I need to feel you near.

Life without you is an altered world, marked by an emptiness that no one else could ever fill. I could write endlessly about you—your unmistakable smile, the warmth that radiated from you, and the depth of feeling you always tried to mask. You liked to joke that you had no feelings, but I knew better. You were filled with quiet care, compassion, and loyalty, revealed in ways only those close to you would see.

In your own gentle, wise way, you looked after us all. You shared your secrets, offered counsel, and gave hugs that left us all feeling just a little more whole. I’ll miss that warmth, your steady guidance, and the quiet encouragement that you shared so freely.

We promise to keep your memory alive, holding it close to our hearts until the day we meet again. I believe that day will come. And when it does, we’ll have so much to talk about. I know you’re watching over us, still a part of our lives, from wherever you are.

Until then, my friend, rest in peace. We’ll carry you with us, always.