One year ago

We miss you

It is 10:48 pm on June 13, 2016. Last year on June 14, my sweet, loving, Navy vet grandpa passed away. I love you Grandpa.

We all miss you Grandpa. Grandma most of all. You being gone only makes her dementia harder on her and the rest of us.
Michael misses you a lot. He cried when he and dad visited your grave at the Naval Academy. And even though I didn't really show it, I have cried several times. And not just for myself, but also for Grandma and Julie and Michael. They've cried more. Felt more. Whenever it turns to midnight tonight, I feel they will be all upset again.
They miss you Grandpa. You were ninety one. You lived your life.
But I miss you. We all miss you.
I want to thank you. For being in service. It's where you met Grandma after all. It made your life amazing. You protected your country. Grandma was a nurse and you were a Navy officer.
I still remember looking in your Naval Academy year books, and seeing either Ronald Reagan or Richard Nixon, in the same class as you.
Our family history wouldn't be the same if you hadn't been there.
I remember every time we came to visit. And you would hug us tight and then tickle us to make us laugh after a long, nine hour car ride. You would always get us to smile. Even after arguing with each other.
Abby turned 19. In March. Just to keep you updated. Michael turned 12 and Julie 13. I even turned 16. Grandpa what happened to the times where it was just me and Abby? When we visited. And your cat, Repeat, scratched me and you and Grandma got me a Sesame Street band aid. I still have the scars. And it's only a memory now. Your cats, Peat and Repeat. And even you. Only a memory.
It brings me to tears to say that last part.
I hope you enjoyed life and I want to let you know, we miss you. And we'll see you again. Someday.

Rest in Peace
S. T. Hays