Dear Uncle Sash,

I've been missing you a lot lately. I'm disappointed I wasn't able to come to the dedication of Chaos Mundaka...that would have been really nice. I wish you could know that you are and always will be my biggest hero. You had so much money and yet only thought to spend it on the things you were passionate about...you wouldn't spend money on anything that doesn't mean anything to you, even though you easily could. I used to joke about how I thought you would live forever. If anyone could have done it, it'd be you. In your last days of living, you were more physically fit that I ever would hope to be in my lifetime. I wish I could have gone hiking with you, gone boating, done the things you loved. I wish I remembered to take one of your ties. Even though I've made it through one holiday season without you, I feel like this one will be so much harder. It's so much more real now, for some reason. When I think about you, I just get really happy and inspired. I honestly think you are one of the most amazing people I will ever meet in my life, and not just because you're my uncle. Every time I read your obituary, I wonder how one man could have such an eventful life...you traveled, were detained in Japanese prison, served in the military, and were still able to gain a degree and found a multi-million dollar company. I love you, and I love how passionate you are about art, boating, and, of course, fine wine. I miss you so much.

Love always,

Me.

Dear Chelsea,

Our friendship is superficial. We care about each other, and I can still say you're one of my best friends...but I can't talk to you about much. Lately you've been doing little things that hurt my feelings....like not asking me how my gynecology appointment went, and my EEG. Or when you and Lindsey decide to do something and either leave without saying anything to me, or ask me in passing last minute. I'm just starting to feel like I don't matter. But more times than not you do something else that makes me feel dumb for feeling that way, and everything is better. But it doesn't change the fact that I don't feel like I can tell you much...like the problems I'm having, or my guy situations... for some reason I think you judge me every time I talk about anything like that. And I understand why you don't get it, because you're lucky enough to be in the relationship you're in now. Maybe I'm being ridiculous. I keep trying to think if there was ever a time we talked about things that actually matter, and I feel like there must have been, because who else would I have talked to? I just don't want us to stop being close...but maybe it's too late for that.

Love,

Me.