Until Tuesday I had a cousin, a cousin who was born as my aunt her son, his big sister’s brother and one of my grandmother’s grandson. He was born the cutest little baby boy we called Jerome as kids. He was years younger so I remember my older cousin babysitting and my earliest memory of us was my cousin changing his diaper. I also remember doing homework with him and his sister, which I of course had no patience doing. But childhood memories are priceless.

Our family has been through a lot. First our grandfather passed before any of us were even born, then my uncle suddenly passed and our beloved niece we still miss so so much. And today we’re weeping for him. I’m sad, even when growing up we weren’t close and our parents had their differences, we still had a beautiful childhood and could let our inner child run wild whenever we were together. We could lift each other up in times of sorrow and today one in that chain is missing and will never be complete again.

As adults, as expected, we grew apart but grandma’s birthday always brought us together and for a few hours we could be kids again, laughing as hard as we could. That was the last time I saw him and we briefly exchanged a conversation since I was back. And I know not everyone or even no one makes the right choices considering society’s standards, but there is this saying I live by “You don’t have to understand, you just have to show understanding”, as I truly believe that everyone is doing what they believe is best for them in this life.

Today I grief our cousin, who we know was kind, full of life, laughter and adventure, a brother who was always there to help, a son who always looked after his parents, a grandson who always made some time to visit his grandmother, a father who loved his daughter so much, I only now just realized. We are grieving, but grateful for the little time you have spent with us on earth. We’re not only grieving your death but also times to come that will never be the same again now that our circle of cousins is incomplete.

Rest in peace 🕊️🕊️🕊️ You will be missed