I wish I could hold you now, I wish I could touch you now. I wish I could talk to you, be with you somehow." "I know you're in a better place, I know I can't see your face. I know you are smiling down on me, saying everything's okay"--- I Wish, by R. Kelly 2000
To hear the song I Wish, click here.
Little Brother,
It has been 2 months to the day that you left us. Since that day I have been trying to find the words to say what I really feel about all that has happened. I still can't say totally, and I don't know for sure what I feel. I can say that, I miss you. I hurt to know that you aren't coming home in February. I hurt to know that I won't ever see you again on this earth.
I hurt to know that you were taken away from us by a senseless, cowardly act of ignorance! I will never understand why the innocent are punished and the guilty remain unpunished. I know you probably understand all of this, from your position by God's side. I pray that I also have that understanding one-day. But, until then I will remember you as you were. My little brother.
The brother that would call when he needed advice. The brother that would call to critique the latest Hip Hop CDs. The brother that would call and talk about how well the Oakland Raiders are doing (by the way they are pretty good, this year). The brother that would always show how much he loved people. The brother that made it to my wedding, even though you had to
report to your ship. The brother that made his own path and followed in the footsteps of no one. The brother that was the "big" brother to Jason and Jamal, after I left for college. The brother that learned by doing. The brother that worked hard at everything you did. The brother that would unselfishly give is last to make sure others were taken care of. The brother that helped me to realize what is really important in life. The brother that joined the US Navy to see the world. The brother that served unselfishly the entire time in the Navy. The brother that loved life with a smile. The brother that died a national hero. The brother that died protecting the freedom we once took for granted.
Cherone, you are my hero. You are wonderful example of how we all should live. Your spirit of unselfishness will remain with me forever. October 12, 2000 will never be forgotten. I will do my best to make sure that no one ever forgets that day. That is the day you were take home to be with God. That was the day 17 families were changed forever. That was the day that my life stood still. That was the day we all were reminded of how precious life is. You physically are not with me anymore, but spiritually you will always be by my side. You are my Guardian Angel. Protect me as the Lord protected you. I LOVE YOU.
Your Big Bro,
Anton 12/12/2000
Click on links below to visit Seaman Gunn's Living Memorial SMusic by R. Kelly -I Wish