This Time Last Year

This time last year my Grandpa was still alive. April 15 is his birthday, and this will be my family's first without him. This time last year I couldn't come to town to celebrate in person, but the rest of the family took him to dinner and shared cake and presents at home. I sent him a photo album with pictures of our recent beach trip, shared just weeks before. This time last year I had no idea that one week later he would be diagnosed with a brain tumor and gone just two weeks after that. This time last year I had no idea what the next 365 days would bring. I miss him every day, and smile often when I think of the many memories we shared in our 31 years together. I feel honored to have had such a strong, funny, loyal, and loving man in my life.