My Papa,
I thought about what I wanted to say on your birthday...
I thought about sharing some funny stories, parts of your personality that not everyone knew about (which may be hard to believe since you said whatever came into your mind)
But then, I wanted to express how hard it has been not hearing your voice.. the little things like not hearing "HOW'S MY GIRL?!!!!" or the best was when you left me countless voicemails saying "Devon, this is your grandfather, Papa'' as if I didn't know who it was. You always made me laugh...
When I spoke at your celebration of life in front of friends and family... I hope I told your story, of who you really were, but most of all.. OUR story. You and Mimi helped raise me (Lithuanian style that is).. and after basketball started, I think we spent almost everyday together. I can almost remember every car ride, every laugh, every trip to the diner just to get your soup of the day, every trip to AAU, basketball camps, Pat's, and countless more...
I hear people say "I think of you every..single...day..." to their loved ones, but... I TRULY mean it. I really really mean it. There is a piece of my heart that is missing since you've been gone. But you have taught me to be strong, funny, happy, let go of so many negative things that do not matter, and lastly, enjoy the little things in life. Those reminders help slowly heal the part of my heart that is missing since you left. But I know nothing will truly fill that piece that is missing.
Spending every day together, you showed me a different side of life, a different way to view the world. Maybe I never said this, but, "Thank you Papa, thank you..."
You were and always will be a father to me.
I love you more than you will ever know.
Love,Your Girl