Dear Pompa,

We miss you down here. I didn’t know it was possible to miss someone’s silence, but I do.

Mom officially moved into your room and it’s weird not having your chair in the center of it anymore.

It’s weird to think that you haven’t been here for almost a year.

It feels like you just left us yesterday.

Nothing much has changed.

The only thing I haven’t gotten used to yet, is not having you here.

We had a nice Thanksgiving, but it would’ve been nicer if you were here.

Grandma cried on Christmas. She misses you a lot. She stayed up on New Years, she says that was for you.

Maybe you can visit her in her dreams? Just say hi and make her happy?

I won't lie, I try really hard not to think about you.

Thinking about you makes me ache. And it feels like there’s a ball in my throat and I know it’s my stubborn self, not letting me cry.

I hate that feeling.

When I am overwhelmed with life, I think about your last day here. You gave us all kisses. I miss them.

I want to cry a lot of the time, but I choose not to because I am still your strong girl.

I’m trying my hardest to keep myself and everyone else together.

I started college and I’m still working. I know you would be so proud.

Missing you is hard.

Till I see you again,

A