The recording continued. Miles spoke about the importance of being accepted and reminded us that love should never depend on someone fitting into expectations. Russell lowered his head, tears falling onto his hands. When the video ended, he stood and walked toward Wes. For a moment, I worried he might still be angry.
Instead, he embraced him tightly. “Thank you for being the friend my son needed,” he whispered. Wes broke down crying. Then Russell turned toward the guests and made a request that nobody expected: he asked everyone to remember Miles by wearing something red at his memorial gathering.
