I have known this brother for almost 20 years (17 to be exact). Eric has been my friend through my darkest moments, abusive relationships and heartbreaks. We have the most deepest conversations about value, dignity and self worth. This man has helped my self esteem when I lost focus. He has been my good friend, and I his, in our lowest times in life. I wrote my book at his place and he is the character Shawn. He helped me unpack for 3 hours when I first moved to Long Beach in 2009. He helped me when he found out I was homeless in 2014. I wouldn't go to Vegas without anyone else, especially my 1st time. We make each other feel safe. Even when we lost touch in 2018, our reconnection this year felt like no time passed but our growth was clear to each other. I may drag him but he is my equal match in reading. Laughter is shared among us everytime we hang out. I refuse to let anyone talk bad about him and he does the same for me.  We are the epitome of friendship (I first pronounced it