Ashley

This is for my cousin, my best friend, my second brother, Justin (May 22 1984- March 17 2015). We lost you two weeks and two days ago today. I know because of how kind-hearted you could be and because you told me many times, that you would want me to be happy. It is so hard though. I know that your battle is over and you will never have to hurt again, but I selfishly still wish you were here. You have been by my side since I was 11 days old; having joint birthday parties, romping around in the woods together, having basketball championships in my parents driveway, watching movies, and generally just growing older together. I promise that I will never forget you, your smile, the sound of your laughter, and that I will share stories about you with your daughter as she gets older. I am so very glad that you knew my love for you was unconditional and unwavering. I am doing my best to deal with finding you not sleeping that life-altering morning and part of me still cannot conceive that I will never again be able to hug you or have one of our heart-to-heart talks. I love you cousin and I know you are watching over us.