All I can think about is how much he loved me. Grandpa was more like a father than a grandfather and would often tell me that I was the best birthday present he'd ever received. Even now as I write this, the tears are streaming down my face. You see, I tend to receive personal guidance when I write. So in the words I have just typed, Grandpa is reminding me how much he loves me still.

One of the things that I hated leaving behind most was access to the ocean. There’s just something about being near it that’s calming to me, and I was always comforted by the fact I could get there anytime I wanted or needed to. What follows is an excerpt of my account of an actual event that took place during my last visit to the shore before I left NJ. I realize it’s a little longer than a typical post, but I hope you find it worth the read!