Growing up, my cousin and I were like brothers, closer than either of us were to our actual brothers.

In 2012, depressed and in pain, he decided to depart this mortal coil.

I rarely drink anything other than some wine with the gf. But twice a year, on his birthday and his deathday, I pour myself a glass of his favorite drink. He was born on the 4th of July, and would have been 40 today.

Today I'll be having a Jack and Coke, in memory.

note: don't feel down about this. I'm sad he's gone, of course. But also, I generally toast something to the effect of "thanks for taking the easy way out and leaving me here, fucker!", tongue planted firmly in-cheek.