Dear Nigel,

Given the tragic news of your passing and your light that has left this earth entirely too soon, I feel obligated to present the apology you deserved.

I am sorry! I am sorry that I never got the chance to meet such a bright and beautiful soul. I am sorry that the light so evident in your eyes, was dimmed so early. I am sorry for all the hate filled words you had to endure, that chipped away at your soul. I am sorry that more wasn’t done to protect you from the evil in this world. I am sorry that I couldn’t have been there to protect you. I am sorry that I couldn’t give you advice, mentor you, and tell you that eventually it will and does get better. I am sorry that the kids in your school didn’t learn how to be tolerant. I am sorry that their hurt and most likely their own insecurities drove them to lash out at you. I am sorry that their parents didn’t instill in them the necessary skills to interact with others “different” from themselves.

I am sorry that your school didn’t intervene earlier to help you. I am sorry that your cries for help to those tasked with your well-being, fell on deaf ears. I am sorry that your school didn’t severely punish those that taunted you relentlessly. I am sorry that you didn’t go to a school with more accepting people. I am sorry that you didn’t have an army of other students rallying at your side. I am sorry that you didn’t get to live in a place where your sexuality didn’t matter to people. I am sorry that life dealt you a hand but didn’t give you the cheat codes to beat the game.

I am sorry that none of the words, sentiments, or feelings that I have can bring you back. Bring you back to your mother’s embrace. Bring you back to see the powerful impact that your death has had on this world. Bring you back to a community ready to support and defend you. I am sorry that it is often too late when people decide to act. I am sorry we didn’t act sooner. I am sorry that the world didn’t get to see the brilliance you held inside. I am sorry that you didn’t get to see the great impact you would have on your community. But even in death, you have done more for the world than you could ever know.

I am sorry Nigel Shelby.

From: All those who wished that they could've helped.