Dear Papa,
I hope somehow you can feel this letter reaching you. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t think about you. I miss you in the quiet moments, in the loud ones, and especially in the times when I wish I could hear your voice or feel your hug again.
There are so many things I wish I could tell you. About my days, my worries, my little wins, and the moments where I still look for you without realizing it. I wish I could sit with you and just talk, the way we used to, even if it was about nothing at all. Those moments meant more to me than I ever said.
You taught me more than you probably knew—about kindness, strength, and showing up even when things aren’t easy. I carry those lessons with me every day. When I’m trying to be brave, when I’m trying to be patient, when I’m trying to do the right thing—I think of you.
Some days the missing hurts more than others. Some days it feels unfair that you’re not here. But even in the sadness, I’m grateful. Grateful that I had you, that I was loved by you, and that I get to carry your memory with me for the rest of my life.
If you can see me, I hope you know I’m trying. Trying to live in a way that would make you proud. And I hope you know that you are still so deeply loved, so deeply missed, and never forgotten.
Until we meet again, Papa.
I love you always.
Forever yours.
Stephanie Roche
01/02/2026
