Melissa Gilbert still cherishes her special relationship with Michael Landon decades after his death – Beliefnet

It’s hard to believe it’s been 31 years since Michael Landon came home to be with Jesus. His absence has left Melissa’s heart aching when she thinks about her “dad”.

“You would have thought I would have felt such sadness last year, on the 30th anniversary. After all, 30 seems like a more remarkable number than 31. Yet here I am, deeply feeling the grief and loss today,” she said.

31 years ago, Michael Landon passed away from his battle with pancreatic cancer. The star of Little House on the Prairie left behind family, friends and his “Little Pint” Melissa. She valued their relationship and began to think of him as a father.

In an Instagram post, Melissa Gilbert shared her dream about Michael Landon. She wrote: “Last night I dreamed that I was back on set and working with this phenomenal man. I would say I miss him, but I was just with him in my dreams. Some people say that when we dream of a loved one who has died, it is their way of visiting us. I’d like to believe that.

Although she is terribly missed, she continues to carry the torch to raise funds for pancreatic cancer. She said: “His death, as cruel and brutal as it was, would not have happened if it wasn’t for the vicious, devastating, terrifying disease of pancreatic cancer.” She added: “It doesn’t matter who you are, where you live, what you have your livelihood, how old you are, what religion, nationality, color or sex you are.’

The father-daughter actor duo were inseparable during his final days as Melissa spent time with and cared for Michael. She knows her grief is not isolated and added that she can’t imagine what his children are going through.

“If I feel so bad, I can only imagine how sad his children must be on a day like today. They suffered an unimaginable loss. As are many others around the world,” she said. We are surrounded by sickness, disease and suffering. It is a comfort to know that Michael walks in a new body and waits for his loved ones in the presence of Jesus. What an amazing reunion it will be!

This article originally appeared on Godupdates.com