Papa, it is hard for me to put into words how much I love you and how much you have influenced my life.   Selfishly, I wish you were still here with us, but I know that you are happier than you have ever been, and looking over all of us.  You were such an amazing man, that I guess God couldnÃ?¢ââ??‰â??¢t wait any longer to have you by his side.  I am so thankful for the twenty-six years I got to spend with you.  They are filled with nothing but wonderful memories.  There are so many things that you taught me: silly rhymes that drove Nana nuts, how to say my ABCÃ?¢ââ??‰â??¢S backwards, how to catch a fish, how to build a birdhouse, how to garden, but most of all you taught me how to love with my whole heart.  You had a very special way of making everyone that encountered you feel like the most special person on the face of the earth, and you always made me feel so treasured and adored.  The love that you and Nana shared provided me with an example of how Joseph and I should love and treat each other.  The way that you loved your children and grandchildren showed me how I need to raise a family and treat the people around me.  You and my dad were the first loves of my life, and you will always hold a very special place in my heart.  I am so proud to call you my Papa, and I look forward to the day when I get to see your sparkling blue eyes and loving but mischievous grin again Ã?¢Ã?Å?Ã?º I love you, Papa.Always and Forever, Nicole