Dear Eddie,
I couldn’t get you out of my mind last night, big brother.
This letter is long overdue. You left us on Christmas Day 15 years ago. Near your final hour, I bent over and whispered, “I forgive you.” Those three words have haunted me ever since. I should have said, “Please forgive me.”
For decades, I blamed you for hurting me, for causing me to act in self-harmful ways. But back then, you went through your own painful experiences without any loving backstop. Yet, you taught me to ride a bike. You broke Big Jimmy Andrews’ nose when he knocked me down and was kicking me. You took my spanking when our dad thought you stole the three dollars I took from his wallet. You let me be on your team playing basketball at the park with the big boys.
Later, you struggled mightily as I hit my lucky streak. I could have done so much to help, but I just stayed on the sidelines.
So this evening, I’m asking for your forgiveness and much more. When I die, I plan to go straight to heaven. Will you let me play on your basketball team up there?
I love you, Eddie.
Your little brother,
Don
P.S. I can still make all my free throws.
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