Time doesn't give us do-overs, and that's something I've come to realize

My Dear Emily,

Writing this letter brings back a lot of memories, and there's something I wish I had told you when we had the chance. It's been on my mind, and I want to share it with you now, even though you're not here anymore.

Remember that day we sat by the river, the sun setting and casting beautiful colors in the sky? We were talking about life, dreams, and everything in between. In that moment, I felt something deep, something I wish I had shared with you.

I regret not telling you then how much you meant to me. You had this incredible impact on my life, and our friendship taught me so much. I cared for you more than I let on, and I wish I had said it out loud. At the time you were lacking confidence because of different events in your life and I think that if I had just told you about how important you are, how great and valuable you are instead of focusing so much on myself, as I tend to do.

Now, as I think about what to say at your funeral, I wish I could express these feelings. I wish I could stand in front of everyone and share the love and gratitude I have for knowing you.

And if I could go back to that day, I'd write something meaningful on funeral flowers to let you know how much you were cherished. How much self-confidence you deserved to feel. But time doesn't give us do-overs, and that's something I've come to realize.

Grieving your loss has made me see the importance of speaking up, of not waiting to say what's in your heart. Your memory will always be a reminder for me to appreciate the people I care about and not take any moment for granted.

Even though you're not here, your influence lives on in the stories we tell and the memories we hold close. You were a special friend, and I miss you dearly.

Rest peacefully, my friend.

With sincere regret,

Monica