One More.

May 11, 2024. 

Today, my heart is heavy as I sit down to write this letter in your honor. We said our earthly goodbyes this evening. And while your passing has left a void that no words can fill, in these moments of sorrow, I find solace in cherishing the countless memories shared together. 

I’m sure you’re already cracking open an ice cold Miller Lite & hopefully up there its football season all year round. I know you’re in a better place now and free of pain, but I can’t help and wish for one more. 

One more “GRACIE!” Followed by the tightest hug and kiss on the cheek. 

To have my phone ring one more time at 7am sharp on the morning of my birthday. You were up hours prior but didn’t want to wake me. You never failed to be the first one to celebrate me turning one year older and the only one to ask me “did your feet get any bigger?” 

One more “come have a smoke, Gracie” which was really just an excuse to pull me away from the crowd to slip a $20 bill in my pocket & remind me to “hold on to it.” One more crybaby gum taste test in the kitchen to see everyone’s sour face. One more opportunity to laugh at the fact that you stood so firm in never getting a cellphone even in 2024. 

One more back porch gathering full of laughter you could hear down the street. It would start off with one of your dad, or should I say, “grandpa jokes”, and lead to all sorts of crazy debates and stories. But no matter what, it always ended with you telling us how proud you were of us. 

One more chance to beat you in scrabble, because now I’m not 10 and would know for sure that you were making up words. To sit in the back of that old green pickup truck one more time and even get yelled at for misplacing your tools that you told us weren’t toys. You never took it easy on us. You set the bar so high for your grandkids and thankfully, it made us who we are today. 

Because of you, I learned the importance of your go-to saying,“do the right things and do things right”, of staying true to my values and never compromising on what matters most. You taught me to always hate the Baltimore Ravens, to never stray from Heinz ketchup, and that the best dessert is a waffle ice cream sandwich. 

Even though I know you’re in a better place now, I’d give back every single $20 for just one more minute with you. 

While our time was cut short, I am grateful beyond words for all of the special moments we had over our 24 years together on earth. I can’t wait to see you again someday. 

I love you, Grandpa. We will continue to make you proud & will always stay safe.