Heartbreak

Nelson R. McNeil

Sunrise November 5, 1960

Sunset May 25, 2022

The last couple of months have been the some of the scariest of my life. I had a relative, who was like a brother to me, pass away from a debilitating illness. I had to watch his life force slowly, then quickly fade away. I spent time in my hometown at his bedside knowing that there was very little I could do, other than be an ear and support.

Now, weeks later, I’m still trying to process the loss. During our adulthood, at least once a week, one of us would contact the other, usually discussing social issues or trading jabs regarding philosophies.

I miss him terribly and feel like a part of me is gone. Nevertheless, I take comfort in the the fact that we could spar verbally, cut each other spiritually, but always have the love and compassion to dress the wounds so that we may live to converse another day.

Without question, my cousin, from our youth to his transition, has made me a better person. One of my favorite Biblical verses says it best:

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” - Proverbs 27:17 (KJV)

I miss my cousin, my brother, my friend.