I am not really sure what year it was.  I think I just sort of blocked it all out. I was hit with a series of life-shattering events that affected members of immediate family and myself. I was functional but non-functional.  There was no option to quit. I had folks leaning on me.

I don’t know if I will ever be able to fully express how much your support meant to me during that time.  I was helpless.  I was embarrassed.  I was hurt. I was scared.  You called and texted often to just make sure we were okay.  You listened to me when I would ramble.  You let me get it out.  You wouldn’t let me take blame that wasn’t mine to take.  You would ask me after all that… Beau, do you need me to come?

The months progressed. Our homecoming came around. I was still a functioning basket case. You told me to come.  Not sure if I had the mental capacity to go anywhere but I put a few things in a bag.  I packed up my Nissan Rogue and got on the road to Atlanta.  And there you were to meet me….

And there you were to meet me…And there you were… Not to steal from Terry McMillan but I exhaled.  For the next two days, you covered me with so much love and support. I don’t know if anyone realized that I wasn’t talking much. I remember you ordering food for us the first night. I remember you telling me that we were going out.  I remember you telling me I looked good.  I remember taking pictures in the hotel lobby.  You arranged for Big Nick to give us a ride. You never left my side but you gave me space all at the same damn time.

On the following day, I don’t even know if we made it to the game.  (LOL- we never make it to the game but we hung out on the yard.)  Again, you gave me space but you were never too far away.  In that big old crowd of Tuskegee folks, our eyes would meet.  You would ask me I was okay every now and then.  As it got dark, the crowd was walking towards the Kellogg’s Center.  Somewhere between the Kappa steps and the Kellogg’s Center, I had a complete breakdown. You asked me what was wrong.  I was just so overcome with happiness and unconditional love.

We made it back to Atlanta for the evening. After a shower and putting on my PJ’s, I was out.  For the entire weekend, you never left my side.  For that entire weekend, I didn’t feel scared or helpless. My heart was re-charged by the love and kindness.  Thank you for being my forever friend. Thank you for taking care of me when I couldn’t take care of myself.

Love always,

Beau- your one and only short friend