One Life Can

You ever meet someone who was so pure and good that the idea of them ever having any malice in their heart or doing anything other than what is right is unfathomable? Someone who gives you faith and hope that the vast majority in this world mean well and have good intentions? For me, that’s my brother, JM.

I met JM during an ice breaker exercise in college. It was a casual introduction but JM so intently listened to my stories that I was amazed that someone could be so genuinely interested in some stranger’s story. The next time I ran into him he was warm and friendly, as if we had already known each other for many, many years.

Honestly, I don’t quite remember how we came to spend more time hanging out together. That’s the way it is with JM. He has such an open heart that you feel like he’s been a lifelong friend after having just met him.

In the years that followed, JM has always been my moral compass. I think of him when I have to make a difficult decision and remind myself to do the right thing despite whether that was to my advantage or not. It’s because I know that’s what JM would do. The way he cares for his family is an inspiration to me and I am so thankful that no matter what may be going on in my own personal life, he will be there with his family as a symbol of what enduring love can be.