Please help us lay my sister to rest

My name is Wayne Mingo Jr. My sister, Mercedes Mingo, was shot and killed driving on 710 freeway in Long Beach, Ca. on Tuesday, June 28th. She was exiting the freeway and was literally 3 blocks away from home when she was shot.

 

She leaves behind four children.

 

To be honest, I don’t know what to write. It’s been almost 2 days since she was killed and I haven’t really spoken much either. My wife see’s the pain in my face and asked me how I was feeling. I don’t know if there’s a word that could describe it but I told her “It’s feels like I’m in a maze with no light, only darkness. And there’s a storm that’s flooding the maze and my nose is the only thing above water.”  It feels like I’m drowning in sorrow, pain, guilt, regret… And I know there’s a lot of us feeling the same way but we have to breathe. I don’t know, maybe writing this will be a form of therapy helping to lower the water. Maybe I hope that by writing this, everyone will read it have a better understanding how it feels to lose a sister. As the oldest sibling, I never imagined I’d have to write these heartbreaking words. Never thought I’d have to look in my mother and fathers face and see the pain only felt by a parent realizing they’ve out lived one of their children. Never thought I’d have to look her kids in their eyes, watch the tears whale up at the exact moment it hits, they will never get another goodnight kiss from mom. Never see her beautiful smile, or her her sweet voice.

Mercedes was a once in a lifetime person. Not always the easiest person to be around but there was never a time that you didn’t want her around. For those of us lucky enough to be blessed with her undeniable energy, the pain is almost to much to bare. She may not have been a perfect person but she was our person.

Rest well sister. You’ve endured more than any one person should’ve. And still came out with a fighter’s spirit, and a big “FUCK YOU” smile to go with it. You will never be forgotten, I promise!

 

I Love You Sis

Mercedes Marie Mingo

8/4/86 - 6/28/22

 

Our beloved daughter, sister, niece, mother, friend, taken too soon. Victim of a senseless act of gun violence leaving behind 4 young kids, left without their mother and more questions then answers. Help ease the financial burden and provide some comfort to her 4 beautiful children. Anything is appreciated. Thank you from our entire family for your love and support during this difficult time.