Dear Dad,

I've been missing you a lot lately. More than usual. I guess it's because I'm getting to that age where things are going to start happening that I would've wanted to you to be there for. I graduated high school. It was hard not having you in the stands. I can't imagine what college graduation will be like. Or even worse, my wedding. I love Uncle Anthony, but having him walk me down the aisle instead of you is going to kill me.

No wedding plans yet...don't worry! I did fall in love. Twice. The first one you would've absolutely hated. I wish I'd had you hear to guide me through that whole experience. Of course, I probably wouldn't have listened. Mom tried to tell me for 4 years :)

You'd probably be pretty upset about me dying my hair. Sorry :/

I'm in pharmacy school. Well, pre-pharmacy. I want to help people. People like you. Mom has cancer now, too. Gramma died of it two years ago. Maybe someday I'll find a cure. Probably not, but I can dream, can't I?

Remember my 6th grade choir recital? I had the big solo, and it was the first time you'd heard me sing by myself. You cried. You tried not to let me see, but I did. You called Gramma to tell her what I beautiful voice I had. I'm still singing, Dad. Lots. I think of you every time I have a solo. I wonder if I'd still make you cry.

Kevin and I found a bunch of pictures of all of us back in the day. It was wonderful to see you again. I have a few pictures of you in a shadowbox that I put up on my bedroom wall, so now I see you everyday.

Wish you could write me back, Dad. I love you.