My brother has passed away, and though I struggle to find the right words, I know I need to honor him.
He was more than this moment, more than the pain he carried, more than the struggle that at times consumed him. He was goofy and kind, stubborn in his own way, and always showed love in a way that was uniquely his. His laugh, his jokes, his presence — all of it was part of what made him so unforgettable.
Right now, I feel numb. I don’t yet know how to grieve or what to say, but what I do know is this: his life mattered. He was important, he was loved, and he will always be missed.
Even in silence, my love for him doesn’t fade. I’ll carry him with me in the little things — in the memories we shared, in the echoes of his voice, in the places he once filled, and in the love he left behind.
Though I wish more than anything that he was still here, I hold tight to the truth that he will always be my brother and always be a part of me. He took a part of me with him, but he also left me with pieces of himself that I’ll never let go of.
To anyone reading this: please check on your loved ones, even the strong ones, even the ones who seem okay. Sometimes they are carrying a cross they don’t want anyone to see.
Rest in peace, brother. Hug our family tight up there, LOYAL. I’ll see you when it’s my time — save me a spot.
