In Loving Memory of
I usually don’t make posts like this, but my heart is hurting in a way I can’t quite put into words.
Just this past Tuesday night, I had the unexpected blessing of briefly chatting with a young man whose spirit left a lasting impression on me. We met in the parking garage as we were both heading home. It was late, and feeling a little like an old soul talking to someone much younger, I asked him what he was doing out at that hour.
With a calmness and maturity beyond his years, he told me he had just gotten off his second job and was finally heading home to get some rest.
Second job.
I remember being instantly amazed. I asked him where he worked, and he told me he worked at Starbucks and Chick-fil-A. Two jobs. Still smiling. Still kind. Still humble.
By then, we had made it to the elevator. He pressed his floor, I pressed mine. In those few short moments, he shared that his birthday was coming up that Saturday and that he was excited to celebrate with his church friends. There was such pure joy in his voice when he said it — no complaints, no bitterness, just excitement for life and the people he loved.
And because that’s just who I am, I yelled out, “Happy Birthday!!!”
The smile that came across his face in that moment… I will never forget it. It was radiant. The kind of smile that could light up the darkest room. The kind of smile that makes you believe everything is going to be okay. He said thank you, we told each other to be safe, and wished one another a good night.
I had no idea that would be our last conversation.
Two days later, on Thursday, I received the devastating news that Malcolm’s life had been taken. He was found deceased in a vacant home. I was hurt. I was confused. I was in disbelief.
Not Malcolm.
Not the innocent soul I had just spoken to 48 hours earlier.
Not the young man working two jobs and looking forward to celebrating his birthday with his church family.
I couldn’t believe it then… and I still can’t believe it now.
Life is so fragile. So unpredictable. One moment you’re sharing smiles in an elevator, and the next you’re left holding onto a memory that suddenly feels sacred. That brief conversation, that bright smile, that simple exchange — it now means more than I ever imagined it would.
Today should have been a day filled with laughter, celebration, cake, and friends. Instead, it’s a day filled with tears, questions, and aching hearts.
But today, I choose to honor him.
So today, I’m asking everyone reading this to help me wish Malcolm Antoine Harris a Happy Birthday.
Even though he’s not here to see it.
Even though his chair may be empty.
Even though his voice is quiet.
I’m hopeful he can somehow feel the love.
We hear about all the beautiful, joyful things that happen in heaven. We talk about streets of gold, peace beyond understanding, and eternal light. My prayer today is that the angels are throwing him the most incredible birthday celebration imaginable. That his smile — the one that lit up that elevator — is shining even brighter now.
Malcolm, thank you for reminding me in such a short encounter that hard work still exists. That kindness still exists. That joy still exists. Your life mattered. Your smile mattered. Your presence mattered — even in the briefest of moments.
Happy Birthday, Malcolm Antoine Harris.
May heaven celebrate you loudly. 💔
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