MY BROTHER, MY HERO
I sit in the grass next to the freshly dug up dirt. I don’t exactly know how long I’ve been sitting here. It could be ten minutes or two hours. Rain pounds the ground all around me, soaking everything in sight.

My hands trace over the stone engravings. Tracing the words Timothy Speedle gently. I had told myself over and over again that I wasn’t going to break, I wasn’t going to cry.

Tears started to slowly make their way down my now paling cheeks, blending in with the rain. I guess I lied to myself.

Absent mindedly, I wrapped my arms around my knees and sobbed. I thought I was alone. Apparently someone found me. I was in so much of a daze, that I didn’t notice him sit beside me or call my name.

I snapped out of my reverie as I felt a pair of strong arms wrap around me, pulling me into a loving embrace.

I looked up to the face of my rescuer, saving me from myself. I somehow know he would find me. He always did.

“Calleigh, there’s nothing you could’ve done.” Horatio said as he gently wiped away my tears.

“He was like my brother Horatio.” I explained. “ It hurts so much. I can’t imagine what it’s like to bury your child.”

“He died with honor. Making the world a safer place for future children.” Horatio added. “Come on, let’s go home.”

I looked at him quizzically. Since when did we have a home? Horatio stood and held out his hand.

Apparently seeing my look of confusion, he explained, “Come home with me.”

I smiled slightly and grasped his hand pulling me to my feet. And that’s how we walked back to his Hummer. My hand never leaving the loving hold of his.

Timothy Speedle

Our beloved son, brother and hero.

Rest in peace.