The Greatest Man of All Time

Dear Grandpa,

Thank you for being such a wonderful grandparent towards me. I am and will always be proud to be your grandson. I thank you and also the good Lord above for helping me become the man that I am today. I'll always remember the good times we've had together. You've taught me valuable lessons, such as treating others with kindness, compassion, and respect. I'm the spitting image of you, according to most people. It's because I was born to follow your own example of kindness and compassion. Regardless of if I did the right or wrong things, you'd always love me unconditionally. I've received the love that my own "dad" refused to show towards me growing up. You have been the true father figure that I have and will always look up to. I'm blessed to have a grandparent who never gave up on me when everyone else did. To me, you're my hero.

July 8 will always be the saddest day of my life when you departed this Earth. It was the first time I've ever sobbed over someone that I was really close with. It felt like a part of me died that day. I couldn't accept the fact that you were no longer here. However, I'll always be grateful and will remember the wonderful times we've had with one another. I've realized that there's no such thing as "moving on". Even though you're no longer here, I know that you're here in spirit. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. Every time I wake up, I remind myself to thank God and be grateful for the amazing people in my life. All I can do is to become a better person each day and live life to the fullest. Life isn't always going easy or beautiful, but it's a reminder to enjoy every moment of life as much as possible. I'm going to live my life as if it was my last. Whenever I feel discouraged or depressed, I remind myself to get back up. Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Giving up will never become an option for me, because I know that you'd be proud of me for showing perseverance and taking a stand for what I believe in.

I want to say thank you, Grandpa. Thank you for loving me for who I am. Thank you for being someone I could always talk to. I'll always be honored to be your grandson. The grandson who is now thriving in life and appreciating each and every moment. I'm not saying that I have a perfect life. I've had my share of personal struggles over the years. Please continue to guide and protect me. I'll do whatever it takes to make you proud and even if I make a mistake, I know you would tell me that it's okay to fail sometimes and try again. I wish that the two people who raised me would've told me this. I know that you're no longer here with me physically, but you would encourage me to keep going in life. When life throws me a curve, I overcome it. I love you, Grandpa and you'll never be forgotten. I'll always think of you every single day. I know that you're looking down on me from heaven, but life has taught me to be grateful of the people who have been influential in my life and also the opportunities I've been blessed with. Here's to a wonderful hero and that hero is you, Grandpa.

Your loving grandson,

Mark