I hadn’t received my Good Morning text from my deaf brother Charles on Tuesday, and went to his apartment to check on him. That’s when I found him on the floor, cold to the touch. I contacted 911 immediately, only to be told by the arriving officers that it was too late. My world collapsed in that moment. Charles was my closest brother and my best friend. We texted and signed daily, and people would often comment that I was a good sister. But I always corrected them—he was the true blessing in my life, far beyond anything I could have imagined.

Charles lived a modest life by choice. He never had luxurious things, didn’t have savings, and sometimes barely got by, but he was always happy. His smile could have lit up an airport. Around town, most people didn’t know his name, but they all knew him as “the super nice deaf guy.” His heart attack was completely unexpected, and I’ve been told it was quick and that he didn’t suffer. Still, I am heartbroken, as anyone can imagine, and I miss him every day.

I am raising funds to help pay the remaining funeral home expenses, as I have already paid what I could. The funeral home is still owed money, and I would love to have enough left over to host a Celebration of Life gathering for his deaf friends and others who never got to say goodbye. This gathering would mean so much to the community, giving everyone a chance to honor Charles’s memory and the joy he brought to our lives. Any support you can give is deeply appreciated. Thank you for your love and caring during this difficult time.