Well it's been a long rough year.
The phone started ringing early this morning with family and friends checking in on us as they have done all year. We are so thankful and appreciate all of you.

I can see and feel how the family is getting stronger just in how we smile and laugh when we're sharing our memories. I know when I start to feel sad and get teary eyed Sherm gets right in my ear and says, "really Juan" and then we laugh just like we always did. 
Many times I have been thinking about a situation that we had talked about and he'll get in my face and tell me to stick to the plan. I do and it happens the way he said it would..
 
My big brother is still looking out for me. 

A picture of Mom and Sherms grandson AJ. 

The date at the top says 21 but I wrote it on the 20th. 

Sherm -

We girls had a wonderful time at LaJuanda's celebrating your birthday.  The food was outstanding.  We miss you so much in the physical but you are so very close in our hearts and thoughts.  All things considered, Marilyn continues to hang-in there.  She's missing you terribly though.  I've been trying to keep her occupied.

Bro, this is not goodbye, 'cus we'll be seeing you down the road!

We were all here at the house on your BD, Tori cooked some greens, mac&cheese and I fixed a couple of your favorites, mixed beans and fried cat fish.
Marilyn sent up a balloon to you with messages from all of us, we watched the balloon go higher and higher, going straight to you.
I love and miss you Big Brother