Hello! This is another letter I put together for Matthew, since I was going through a hard day in the later stages of grief. I hope that he hears me and understands my message, just as much as you guys do.

Dear Matthew,

I want to let you know that I'm doing okay, and I hope you are, too. I still have good days and bad days, I still think about you a lot, but I'm not angry anymore. I want to ask for your permission to share your story with the world–in the least-detailed way possible. This will allow us to save thousands of lives in the future. Will you let me become a spokesperson for drugs and alcohol? I will never share the full extent of your story–just enough to help people understand how a death like yours greatly affects the people you love.

I miss walking around Downtown and having you there with me, which was what we planned last semester. Today was very difficult. I was outside a lot, and so many family and friends enjoyed the beautiful weather. I wanted to share it with you, but couldn't.

Timothy is supposed to move in with me this summer. I beg that you do everything you can to protect him. I cannot afford to lose another brother, Matthew. This is the only birthday gift I'm asking from you this year.

I want to let you know how much I love you and how important it is for me to write about your struggles and talk about them with my most trustworthy friends. They would never mistreat you or me. They know what happened was an accident, and that you did not struggle in the way that caused your death. You are very special to me, my Green Guardian, and you always will be. Wish me luck in the writing contest at school. Let's work together, as our family continues to work our way through the stages of grief. Look out for not only Tee, but also Mom, Dad, and me.

I love you, Matthew.

- Vika