I remember when you first came into my life.  I had another brother … not a sister … but another brother.  That was okay though.  I was your big sister and so I could look after you.

I remember brothers who ganged up on their big sister when she was left in charge.
  
I remember hours and hours of playing board games together and riding bikes up and down the street.

I remember the day you ran away from home.  We looked and looked for hours but you were nowhere to be found.  They called the police and then everyone was looking for you.  Hours later they found you in the bushland near home.  I still don’t really know why you ran away that day but I think I know.

I remember how you were always quiet.  Shy.  You preferred people not to notice you.

I remember your paintings, the comics you wrote.  They were amazing.

I remember your suffering through illness and the terrible things it did to you.
  
I remember the day I had to admit you to hospital.  It was so difficult to do.  You  did not want to be there.

I remember hoping and praying that you would be okay.  That you would recover and become all you could become.

I remember your last visit with me.  A goodbye that I did not realise was being said.

I remember the next day.  The day they told me I would never see you again.
  
I remember your poems.  The ones you left behind … the poems so hard to read … so full of pain.

I remember the beautiful letter you wrote me.

I remember an innocent boy and the kindest young man.

I remember a child of God who never wished to hurt anyone or anything.

I remember an idealist who imagined peace for the world.

I remember your love for me.
  
I remember a beautiful soul.

I remember you.

And I will never forget you.