To 'Dre

I am sitting at my desk with the sound of clicks on a keyboard because if I were to say it aloud I might break down and cry. So here is to my friend where so many days were spent over a cup of coffee dreaming, growing, laughing.

You were truly a man after God's own heart. While I thought I was teaching you, you were really teaching me. Your life was teaching me how to be humble, how to be graceful, how to love unconditionally. I watched you smile in midst of incredible pain, a smile that would light up a room. I watched you open you lengthy arms and embrace those who needed a hug. I watched as you unassuming persona spoke words of life and built others up, all the while your meekness never recognizing how great you were.

I think all of us somewhere in us looked at you and said "I wish I could be like that." You were a musician, an artist, a brother, a son, a servant, a friend, a hard-worker, a leader, a worshipper, a LOVER OF JESUS. You were bright, intelligent, smart, funny, witty and at times slow to get a joke. You were an overcomer as you fought you dsylexia to continue to read and learn and grow. You are the kind of man tha I want my boys to grow up to be like.

My heart broke when I heard the news. Yet at the same time leapt with joy for you. You are playing that over-sized Guild guitar in the one place you always wanted to be, with Jesus. Today, you will never lay hurting in a hospital bed, but will lay yourself at the feet of Jesus. Today, you will never have to sit out a dance for shortness of breath, but will dance for eternity. Today is an ending and a beginning. Today, we don't say good-bye, but simply say we will see you soon.

Your my friend and a brother. You are my favorite black man.
I love you!
Love,
PJ