I know that you do not know me, and although we have never met, I feel that I know you so well.

Millennial.

Woman.

Black.

Working hard to take care of yourself.

Surrounded by family and friends . . .

. . . and in love.

I see you.

I relate to you.

Your brown skin not only reflects my own; it connects us in a way that those with less melanin can never understand.

Beautiful young black girl, I understand you.

Matter of fact, I am and could have been you.

You are my sister, which is why my heart cries for what they have done to you.

Though we share one of the most beautiful bonds, you and I both know it is also one of the most burdensome.

And I am sorry that we have grown closer over the weight of carrying this load.

I am sorry that you had to experience this nation’s indifference and neglect toward black women.

I am sorry that people have chosen to blame you for being murdered.

I am sorry that you were not given the grace to be a 20-something young woman navigating life and making choices.

I am sorry that time was stolen from you to even look back and consider all your life’s choices.

I am sorry that even though you were minding your own business, in your own home, and was still senselessly murdered, because you are black, your role in your own death is a topic for discussion at all.

I am sorry that you were not able to celebrate your 27th birthday though people like Ethan Couch and Dylann Roof will.

Breonna, I know you saw what happened to Trayvon Martin, Rekia Boyd, Mike Brown, Sandra Bland, Walter Scott, Philando Castile, and too many others.

Perhaps you even marched and said their names.

I am so sorry that we have had to demand people to #sayhername for you.

I am sorry your name is a hashtag.

I am sorry that Daniel Cameron did not consider your life as valuable as your neighbors. And that he said criminal law is not meant to respond to every sorrow and grief, although I am certain his lips would not be so loose if the grief and sorrow was for his loved one.

I am sorry for the hypocrisy and injustice.

Girl, I am so, so sorry.

But, in the midst of my apologies, I also want to give you thanks.

People are angry and demand that America acknowledge and dismantle its racist foundation, systems, and practices.

People around the world have united to show that the lives of black women matter.

Queen Bre, your face has brightened city squares and boldly represents on magazine covers.

Your name has been on the lips of millions around this world.

I know you did not choose this (and we would certainly rather have you here) but you are the catalyst for much needed change in this country.

You are the cause.

You are the protest and resistance and disruption.

My sister, you are the difference.

I am sorry for what they did to you, but I am thankful for what you have done in us.

Breonna Taylor, you deserve much better.

And you will forever be part of many more black women receiving just that.

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Photo credits: CTV News, AP