Dear Tamir Rice, Your Life Really DID Matter.

Dear Tamir,

You were just 18 months older than my son, Noah.

He has the same brilliant light in his eyes that I see in yours; the kind with all the promise and energy and positivity that only a young boy’s eyes can contain.

His easy, inviting smile (like your own) reflects a simple sweetness and joy, which is the way it’s supposed to be when you’re 12.

I like to think that you two would have gotten along great. He’s a sweet, silly, playful kid with a deep compassion for people and a warmth and wisdom far greater than his years.

He loves to hang out at the park too; to play superheroes and Star Wars and to run around pretending that he’s shooting at stormtroopers and bad guys.

I can see you both playing at the park together.

I can imagine you both there doing what sweet, silly, playful boys do.

What I can’t at all imagine, is…