My baby nephew....I can't believe you're not here anymore. There hasn't been a day since your passing where I haven't had to take a moment to continue to try to process this. You may have not been my blood, but you were, and always will be, my baby boy!
Some memories that stick out...
You never wanting a thing to do with dancing when you were younger, even though your dad dragged you to our socials countless times. And one night, when we're getting ready to clean, you slid into the circle of dancers, busting a move, and then disappearing. Like the wind! You left us all shocked. But it was one of the best moments I got to witness. You were always someone of few words, but when you spoke, you meant business. Same with this - short and sweet, but impactful.
Another time when I thought your dad might rip me a new one....you having your sisters pierce your ear in the backyard while I was babysitting you guys. You kids were something else!
And that one time when you put me in my place. I asked you, "how could you watch other people play video games for hours?" Your response...."same way that you're able to watch dance videos of other people". You were 13 years old. Touché little man! Touché!
I'm going to miss you, kiddo. And I'm so proud of you with what you've accomplished in your life. Being in the military is not something anyone could do, but you did!!! You were wiser beyond your years, and stronger than most.