11 years ago today..

[WilyWestbrook0]

..my brother Ben killed himself over the rejection from a silly girl whom he took too seriously. He was 16.

It was obviously a horrific time for my family. I was 12, and my life routine had to be drastically altered. Somehow, I never cried over his loss, but I found I couldn't share many of the things anymore that I did with my brother, like our imaginary basketball leagues, video games (we used to have epic battles on the SNES NBA Live games), movies, and drawings. Adolescence ended up being a bad time for me in many ways because I couldn't find any friends during that time period with whom I could share activities like I did with Ben. It wasn't until I became nineteen and met my fiance Jason in August of 2004 that I finally found someone who shared a lot of my interests and activities.

Eleven years is more than a decade, and sometimes, it feels that long (or even longer). So many things have changed politically, technologically, etc. since then, not to mention how much older I have gotten. Nonetheless, I never want to forget his memory, so I am posting this as a way to remember him, and as a reminder to all of us how important it is to keep life in perspective. He'd be 27 today and I believe he would undoubtedly be doing lots of great things had it not been for that girl. He and Jason would probably get along well.

[rchurchward]

Khendra, thank you for sharing that part of your life with us. It's a great life lesson to keep in perspective. Thank you.

[jtrinaldi]

I nearly drowned and have to have filight for life in florida (reason why i never ship there) and went into a comma .me and my bro are twins and after that for the first two years he was still in shock and fell depressed And now he is just getting better.

[angel0430]

Thanks for sharing a really sensitive and personal part of your life. I had a family member take his life over his wife. It is very sad to loose someone that you love. But always keep in mind that there is always there to support you.

[BCUS28]

Khendra thanks for sharing and commemorating your brothers life. I've never been through anything like that, but one of best friends brother punched out as well, and then about 15 years his father did too. I don't see my friend alot anymore because he moved out of state, but I constantly think about him and how he's doing.

I would also suggest to actually do the things you both used to do, as he would've like to :)

[br.ett]

Thank you Khendra for sharing. My cousin also did the same two years ago right before christmas. It was very sad and I was very very close to him and still haven't got over it. Your brother will be in my prayers.

[garnett_21]

That you for sharing, Khendra - it certainly puts life into perspective. I am truly sorry for your loss, but am also glad that you have been able to find someone who is similar to your brother.

It's tough to say what I am thinking through text....it's not the same as talking in person.

[the_future]

Thanks for sharing that Khendra. Never forget those memories and times you had with your brother. I'm more than glad that you have found someone who shares similar interests with you.

[WilyWestbrook0]

Thanks for the responses everyone; it really does mean a lot.

[Shayne1911]

Wow, I couldn't imagine having that happen. I'm sorry it happened to you. I think he would be proud of you. :) Thanks for sharing your story!