Something Bout That Wind
- chavarahamilton
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
On June 20th, 2026, I received a call from a childhood friend (I love you, Kat) that would change the trajectory of my weekend trip. My friend stated “one of Eddie boys had an accident. Call your mama.” I immediately yelled “Mama, we gotta go.” Cameron, my first cousin, had been involved in an accident while traveling on his dirt bike. With an anxious heart and mind, we traveled to Memorial Hermann Hospital. The next few days were filled with tears, wavering faith, anger, guilt, disbelief, loud silence, pain, and a host of other emotions. On June 22nd, 2026, we had to say goodbye (or at least on this side). It was truly unbelievable.
We are aware of the judgments regarding Cam’s speed when riding his dirt bike. However, I challenge you to think about your 19-year-old self (insert pause). Okay, boom! Did you listen to everything elders told you? Did you think you could continue the same behavior without consequences? Did you think you were invincible? Most importantly, do you have the same level of insight at your current age that you had at 19?! I can answer that, NO! MORE grace and LESS judgements (read that again)! High speed or not, there is absolutely nothing that could warrant my cousin’s life.
Cam’s smile would light up the darkest room. Cam was tall, nice teeth, pretty hair (when combed), laid-back, athletic, a fisherman, someone kids loved, and a partial mechanic (in his mind). Trust me, the young girls asked, “who is that boy?”
On July 11th, 2026, we laid Cam to rest. Cam’s parents did a beautiful job, but it was hard! I’ve never lost a first cousin, so this is uncharted territory. I believe there are cousins, then there are cousin cousins. When I walk into my grandmother’s home, I greet her. Y’all know you better speak when you walk in the room, right?! Any who, I’d ask “Where is Cincere (Cam’s oldest brother),” then it became “Where is Cam?” My granny would often respond by saying “Cam in that room in there.” One thing about Cam, he believed in boundaries. My boy kept the door locked. You will not walk in on him without knocking first!
I will truly miss yelling “Cam come get your clothes off this floor.” It was something about the bathroom floor that held onto his clothes. “Cam let me use your restroom. Is it clean?” Or yelling “Let’s go Cam,” while he was at the free-throw line. Cam low-key had an attitude on the court. Haha. My uncle yelled “Cam, stop doing all that.” The police officer said, “you must be dad?” Haha. My boy, Cam, was trying to break ankles in that game. I loved seeing Cam and Cincere play when time allowed.
Death has a way of prompting thoughts about what truly matters. It puts things into perspective. Values and belief systems change. Many people put differences aside. I witnessed people show up for my family in ways we couldn’t have imagined. In my opinion, this is evidence of God’s hand still at work. My hope is that the sense of community that I observed continues in the days ahead. It is no secret that the real pain begins after the funeral when reality sets in.
I heard Pastor Hollis say, “it is impossible to live by FAITH if you can’t live without answers.” While this is a harsh reality, I've chosen to live by FAITH and to focus on GRATITUDE, which helps me to remember it’s not all good, but it’s not all bad. Gratitude shifts my focus from what was lost to what remains. Cam died doing something he truly enjoyed. “It’s something bout that wind,” per Cam. I challenge you to reflect on WHAT GIVES YOU WIND? Matthew 24: 36 reminds us “however, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” This means our lives are predestined, so don’t leave here without finding your wind.
Remember: Do what makes you happy even when others disagree. Thanks, Cam, for the reminder!
Feel free to share with a friend or anyone who may benefit.
Take time, talk soon!
Thanks!
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