Dear Mack

Dear Mack

Where do I start? My first cousin. I loved you. You treated me like I was your own child. I thank you for that.

I knew your health was failing, and you weren't gonna last long. I understood, but I didn't wanna show it. At night, I cried. I cried hoping you would be okay. To see me grow up. Your cancer took your body over before you had a chance to fight it.

Cancer took you from us. I remember you used to call me "Pretty Girl." Every time we saw you, you always said "Hey Pretty Girl. This is my Pretty Girl right here."

We got the call that you were in the Hospital. We took the drive down there, just to see you. The first thing you said when you saw me was "Hey Pretty Girl. Come here and give me a hug." I walked over there, and gave you a big hug.

When I gave you that hug, I knew you were in pain. You didn't need to say it, I just knew. Your eyes showed the pain. We sat around and talked for a while.

I saw the hurt. No one needed to tell me anything. I could feel the pain. I then remember hugging you before we left. I didn't know that was gonna be the last hug I gave you.

A few days later, we got the call. My mother started crying. We all asked what was wrong. She said that you died, but you were out of pain. I broke down screaming and pleading that it wasn't real. It was all too real. I didn't sleep well that night, cause I cried.

I went to your funeral, and I cried. That was the last day I cried. Taps played. I cried, and I pleaded. When we got home, I screamed. I started screaming "This cannot be real! Please, tell me this isn't real!"

Of course it was real. Why wouldn't it be?

Summing this up: You're my first cousin, and I'll always be your Pretty Girl. Cancer sucks, and I will stop it one day. I promise

With love, your first cousin
-Lee
A.K.A. Pretty Girl