My Dear Sweet Sister
Shirlena

My dear sweet sister:

Growing up, I remember how we fought at times, but we mostly got along. I remember when our family's home was torn apart by our mom's death and you tried to fill her place, giving our brothers a home. Doing what you could to survive, keeping them well and alive, sacrificing school and a 17 year-old's dreams. My decisions keeping me away. I loved you for that then, and I love you to this day. Even though it's been years since I've seen you or heard your voice, you're my sister for Christ sake and the picture still in my mind is you at a younger age.

Seeing your picture, I wish time had stopped. I wouldn't have lived a life of drugs, addiction, and prison, and ill decisions. And you wouldn't have had to live the life you've also lived and barely survive. I've searched for you many years, never giving up, hoping you are alive as much as I care for you. I have to tell you, hoping you'll read this before it's too late. Maybe it will open your eyes, looking into the mirror. Your life isn't over, Shirlena. Stop living like it is.

I lived life the very same way, not caring about anything—especially for myself. Giving up hope on everything except the will to get high.

Look where it has put me and look at all the years it has taken away. It hurts me to see my little sister so displaced, stripping your beauty away, becoming so unrecognizable, a stranger even to yourself. I know I'm in no position to preach. It's just my heart is broken because I can't reach out to you or break the clutches of addiction. I wish I could save you. I don't believe I would be here today if it wouldn't for my wrongdoings putting me behind bars. This place actually saved me! Ironic, huh?

I don't know what types of demands you face, but look into the mirror and save yourself. See the true reality. See your worth and life has something to fight for. I know you have the courage. Find it to reach out to someone for help because not everything we can do on our own. You're always in my prayers.

Teddy Joe