The saying “time heals all wounds” is deceptive. Today marks 29 years since my big brother transitioned. The pain is still heavy for me. I’m still angry and I still miss him so much. Every time I hear the stories of young black males being killed by gun violence my heart aches.

I recall being in 5th grade struggling with a math problem, he wrote the answer down and insisted I figure out the steps to arrive at the answer.

It took me more than an hour to solve the problem.  He sat at the table with me the entire time. I would say repeatedly “I cant figure out the answer” and he would say “keep trying.”

When I solved the problem he said “remember you can do anything.” Whenever I’m tempted to give up, I remember his words. I hope I’m making you proud.

I was 13 and he was 18 when he passed away. I often image how life would have been if he were still on this earth.

Until we meet again, I love you. I was so young when you passed, I don’t know if I ever told you while you were alive.