"More than a stunning debut. It is the announcement of a bold new literary voice"
—Stephen Chbosky, author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Life keeps going. This is something I did not think was possible when you passed. You made such an impact on my life, that now I recall memories by saying Before You or After You. I keep all the memories of During You to myself because I cherish them so much and don’t want anyone to taint them. Your kids are all grown up now, one is 18 and the other 17. Crazy to think that they were 3 and 4 when you passed. I am married, 3 kids, homeowner and business owner. The last time you saw me I was just a little brat, that only ever wanted to spend time with you. You helped me get through the first stage of my parents divorce, and then the rest just went downhill once you were diagnosed with cancer. Life got so hard that I thought I would be gone first. Then we got into an argument and I never got to say goodbye. I do think that has kept me at an emotional standstill. I was able to open up enough to meet and fall in love with my now husband, but I can never fully talk about my feelings because it always leads back to you. How I regret the argument and not saying bye, how I blame myself for being selfish. I have learned to not be selfish, to the point of becoming selfless. It has been a full 180 on my personality but it was necessary. You helped me be a better person, I just hate that it took you dying to come to that revelation. I miss you so much. Every day. Thank you for all that you did for me, and for continuing to watch over me. I feel you sometimes and I know you are around to take care of me and your family. I love you.