Dear Dad,

Today is one of my favorite days — it’s my day to celebrate you! Happy birthday! Even though it’s been four years without you, you still hold the number one place in my heart. I think of you every single day, I strive to remember you when you were healthy, and I still love you with all of my heart. As I am growing up and maturing in new ways, I am realizing that you are the first person I ever fell in love with. You always made me feel safe, loved, and happy.

I miss you more in April and May — everything reminds me of you and triggers some sort of feeling. I am currently in this transitional place in my life. In a few months, I will be graduating from college and entering the ‘real world’. I’m scared to keep moving on with my life without you by my side. In college, I felt some sense of security with adults watching over me and guiding me but as I enter adulthood, I hope I am making you proud. Happy birthday, dad — miss you more than anything.

Lots of Love,

Your Lulu