Dear Connor,

It has been a whole year since you have come into my life, and I owe all of my happiness to you.

It physically pains me that I never had the chance to meet you, but from all the stories I hear, I know that we would have been great friends.

You are my role model. I carry your generosity with me daily and try to think of how I can make a positive impact on the world. I have a copy of the letter you wrote to your parents framed in my room, and I start every day looking at it, remembering you and your pure heart.

In your honor, Dom and I have started a foundation at the local children's hospital called Connor's Wish. I share your story in the hope that like yourself, they will learn that planting just one seed of kindness can grow into many.

I'm sure by now you know how uncomfortable I was to take the money from your parents. I made sure only to use what I needed, and at first, I was going to pay back your parents so they could use it on someone else. That was until I realized I should pay it forward, and that is how Connor's Wish came to life.

We raise money to help the families in need, but most of all, we spoil the children. At first, our little foundation consisted of just me and Dom but has now grown to over 20 volunteers, and as the word gets out, I know more people will share your vision of making the world a better place.

We decorate rooms for epic birthday bashes, and we hold celebrations for the milestones of their recovery. On top of that, just like you have requested from your parents, we go all out during the holidays. The smiles on their faces fill me with such joy, and I can't help but wonder if you felt the same way when making your last requests.

I hope we are making you proud.

It still blows my mind how someone I have never met before has had just a profound impact on my life. You have made me a better person, Connor.

After I lost my father, my life turned upside down, and you, my guardian angel, helped me in ways that I will never be able to repay. I'm not just talking about the money, but the way I have learned to finally been able to open my heart and let people in.

I've grown this year. I have become stronger. I'm no longer afraid to love, and most of all, I'm not scared of having people love me.

A year ago, I was a broken spirit, and besides having Dom, I had no purpose in life. I truly believed that if my mother had the power to leave, no one else could ever love me.

The day I left your father's store, I went home with more than just a check, but with two people who shower me with unconditional love. I have learned that family is so much more than DNA, and I want to thank you for bringing two caring, beautiful souls into my life who I cherish more than anything.

Not only have you gifted me with an amazing family, but you have also given me the opportunity to fall in love with an incredible man.

Zach is everything I have ever wanted in a partner, and you somehow knew that we would be perfect together. Thank you for pulling some strings with the big guy above to make sure that we crossed paths. We owe our love and happiness to you.

Being with someone in the military isn't easy, and we have had our fair share of difficulties, especially in regards to his upcoming deployment.

I hope you are proud of him because I sure am.

Zach once shared with me how you were the one to push him to follow his dreams, even when he wanted to give them up when his world was crumbling. He promised you that he would make them a reality, and I believe everything he does isl for you.

I know I will never be able to replace you, Connor, but I promise to be the best friend I can. I promise you I will continue to stand by his side and to pick him up when he needs it. I will help him where I can, and I will continue to grow with him. I love him.

I don't know why I'm writing this, especially since I find comfort in talking to you daily, but I feel that our unique relationship deserves more than that. It sometimes makes me feel silly to have such an attachment to someone I never knew, but I need you to know that I love you, Connor.

In a way writing everything down helps to get everything I want to say off my chest, but most of all, it is for me to tell you that you got your last wish.

You changed my life, Connor, and I am grateful for it every day.

With all my love,

Gemma