A Message to my Grandpa

You’ll never know how much I’m gonna miss you Grandpa. You were a real friend and a role model. I’ll miss how we constantly teased each other. I’ll miss your mischievous streak and your laugh. I’ll miss our weekly phone call on Sundays. You were the best Grandpa anyone could ask for. I cherish all the time we were able to have together. When I was little I always loved how we would watch documentaries and old James Bond movies and eat popcorn in the basement. You always encouraged my love of knowledge and took me to every place imaginable to feed my curiosities. You coached me, took me to basketball camp in the summers, and you were always present for every important moment in the lives of my sister and I. You and Grandma would show up several hours early to every Football game and be the first people in the stadium just so you could get the best seats in the house to watch me play.

I know you didn’t want me to see you like that, but there was nowhere else in the world I’d rather have been than with you as you took your final breath. I promise to live my life in a way that will make you proud. Just like you, a life of integrity, authenticity, kindness, compassion, hard work, humility, and fearlessness. People always knew when you walked into a room as they would be drawn to your presence. You left a positive influence on so many lives and always brought so much joy. You always looked after your family and friends with unrivaled care. You taught me that nothing is more important than the people you love. Family above all else. All things come to an end and I have no regrets, you and I had an amazing run. Tell Grandma and Greg that I love them.

-Nick