30

It is I who saw you first the moment you walked in that door.

It is I who said the first hello because you were too shy to introduce yourself to others.

It is I who defended you the moment the whole university knew you were gay.

It is I who grabbed your hand and took you to dance in front of the crowd during prom night because no one asked you out yet.

It is I who promised that I will take care of you every second, every minute, every hour of every day, every week, every month, every year until death do us part.

It is I who saw you through all your triumphs and loses; your every milestones and achievements; and your every downfall.

I was there to always lend you my shoulder whenever you needed someone to lean onto, or whenever you need it to cry; I lend you my ears, my words, my touch, my soul whenever you needed me most. "Whatever makes you happy," is what I always say.

It is I who agreed to be your best man when you married your husband even though it wounded me deep inside.

It is I who walked you down the aisle because I'm the only family that you have.

I regret not telling you how I felt. "Whatever makes you happy." And you are happy.

You were.

And when he left, you were broken once again.

And it is I who mended all your pieces until you became a beautiful mosaic.

A work of art made out of your own pain, sorrow, and misery.

You may not remember me anymore.

But I never broke the promise I once told myself 30 years ago:

That I will take care of you every second, every minute, every hour of every day, every week, every month, every year.