There was Shawndrae for 27 years on this earth, then he was no longer here.

He was a kind, sweet child. The best kind of cousin, nephew, son and friend.

He grew with ambition. A talented computer artist who shared his passion.

Today, I will attend his memorial. Grief is beyond measure. His voice will no longer be heard. We will no longer see him.

Nothing is left to do but the crying. Nothing left to hear but the wailing, keening and sobbing.

I only know that in time we won’t cry as hard or as often. It won’t hurt so bad. This you can only know if you’ve lost someone before.

His mother’s life is changed forever. Though we have to, we should not have to bury our children.

You will live on, Shawndrae, for as long as we remember you. It’s hard to say goodbye. It’s so hard.