In Memory of Henry S. Ballew

"Death, always cruel," wrote the Italian poet Dante Alighieri in the 13th century. 

You see that tall dude on the left? That's my little brother, Henry S. Ballew. On September 23, 2020, he was shot and killed. He is one of the many lives lost to the violence and chaos that has invaded many lives currently. My family and I have been grieving for our loss nonstop since we got the news in the early morning of September 24. The shock of it has been an awful thing to bear, but we will move forward as a family and, hopefully, as a community. My little brother, Henry, was only 21 years old and about to turn 22 on November 2nd. He had the best life anyone could ask for. He was always surrounded by the warm love and care from all of us, his family. From here on out I am committed to celebrating his life in everything that I do, and my family will follow suit. No longer will he be with us talking about how cute our puppy, Kirby, is; no longer will he be with us talking about videogames; no longer will he be with us on this earth -- but he will forever be with us eternally in our hearts. We love you so, so much Henry Ballew. The purpose of this GoFundMe is to help my mom in these trying times as she mourns the loss of an incredible son and deals with any expenses along the way. I understand with Covid-19 money might be tight for many of us, but a donation big or small, would be a blessing. At the bottom is a poem I would like for you all to give a second to read. 

"Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die."

--Mary Elizabeth Frye.