It’s a journey no one ever chooses to be on, but everyone eventually find themselves on: the journey of losing a loved one.

Luckily, I have never had to go through the pain of losing someone I was really close with, but I have had to watch the people who mean a lot to me lose someone.

Going through the pain of losing someone you called your brother, sister, mother, father, cousin or even a best friend is something many people have to go through each year.

Chapman recently lost someone who was very special to many people. Even though I didn’t hang out with him on a regular basis, I am very close with his brother.

Watching his brother go through this pain and constantly dreading to go to sleep at night because he knows when he wakes up his brother won’t be there breaks my heart.

I am constantly having to stay strong for him and his family while they go through this journey in life. This is something they will struggle with for the rest of their lives.

Other than my support and strength, all I can give them is advice:

Stay strong. Don’t be afraid to cry. Staying strong isn’t holding back your tears and keeping a smile on your face. Staying strong is when you can cry but bring yourself back together. Staying strong is letting others know you’re in pain but that you can still smile through it and let your mind wander to other places.

Always remember your lost loved one. Never forget the memories y’all shared together. Talk about him with your family and reminisce on the good times, not the bad, because those good memories will keep you sane.

Will it ever be the same as having him physically there? No, but it is much better than no memories at all.

Forgive those who did your family wrong.. Forgive yourself for blaming yourself.

He’s in a better place. Although that is hard to understand, just remember death is a part of life. Just know God had bigger plans for him than what this world could offer. He took him away from your family not as a punishment but to have someone constantly watching over you in heaven. He will be able to protect you from certain things and smile at all the accomplishments you have received.

For anyone who has never felt the pain of losing a loved one, hold your loved ones close; if you know the pain of losing a loved one, hold your loved ones closer.