I saw you beneath the mid-august afternoon sun. Running with your dog on a leash. Your light brown hair was parted to the left. You were wearing a light yellow shirt and your smile…your smile was from ear to ear. That scene played itself as if it was purposely done in slow motion. The sun, your dog, your hair, your shirt, your golden skin, your smile, your eyes, your face.

I was driving out of my apartment with my window down when our eyes met. You and I both kept looking at each other as if we recognized one another. Your eyes were puzzled with curiosity, and mine were too.

In that moment, your face looked younger than 3 years ago, when I saw you last. That is when I realized, it wasn’t you. It was a stranger who could be your younger brother.

L, in that moment, God gave me reassurance that you are smiling from ear to ear and running wild and free, liberated from the unknown burdens you carried deep in your heart.

That young man’s eyes were radiating freedom and I know that the sadness you carried inside you is lifted from your heart and your eyes.

I was in danger of falling in love with you, you know. It wasn’t God’s plan for us to be together but I care for you and tonight I am sending a special prayer your way.

I got to let you go now, L.