In loving memory of our beloved brother, Chad Coleman who would have been twenty-five today.

It's been a while since I've heard your voice,

That warm comforting voice,

Always uttering helpful words of wisdom.

You always knew so much more about life than I,

Teaching me day by day.

You watched me grow into a woman,

Always supporting me no matter what.

You were proud of what I was becoming,

Loving me endlessly without question, never judging.

While you were watching me mature into the person I am today,

I was watching you struggle with the outcomes of your life.

You said over and over that everything would end up all right in the end.

You always knew just what to say to make the world seem like it was on our side.

You were wrong this time, Chad

The world wasn't on our side.

It took you away from me,

Leaving me alone, longing for your love,

Without someone to tell me I was beautiful,

To wipe my tears away as they rolled down my cheek,

Without someone to share my fears, my joys and my triumphs.

I heard your voice again last night.

I've missed it every day since you've been gone.

I saw your smile again last night,

I've been wishing for it every hour since you've been away.

In my dream you said

You'd always be near

And now that I think of it,

You said the same thing

The day you died.

You always did know just what to say

To make the world seem like it was on our side.