I don't take that lightly...

I called you brother.
That's a word I don't take lightly.

My real brother died.

He had always been my hero.

When I had nightmares as a child,

It was him I ran to.

My parents barely acknowledged me.

They were busy,

working continuously.

They did the best they could.

I came late in their lives.

They were in their 40s when I was born.

They had already had 5 children.

My mom must have been tired by then.

I would have been.

But it was my brother, 

He was the one who really raised me.

After he died,

I search for a bond like we had had.

So many lonely years.

But then there was you.

And you were protective of me,

Just like he had been. 

I had missed that safe, familiar feeling.

I loved you like a brother.

Would have done anything for you. 

I needed a brother.

You needed to be heard. 

And needed someone who cared.

When you went away to prison,

I was alone in this world again.

Life went downhill fast.

I missed my new brother so bad.

Felt like forever had past before you got out.

And then I seen your face.

It was the best feeling to hug my brother again.

I wanted your life to be filled with so much blessings.

You deserved to be happy,

And to go live your dreams.

I wanted all that and more for you brother.

I would have given you the world if I could.

I called you brother.

I don't take that lightly.. 

Lori Mack

11/19/22