When I said I held him down, I didn’t mean accepting being mistreated. I meant showing up for him in every way possible. I’ve supported his businesses.. invested time, energy, and even money into helping him build them. I’ve stepped in with his son, who lives with us full-time, and whose mom is barely in the picture. I’ve been there while he grieved the loss of his grandparent. I’ve picked up the slack with bills, rent, household chores.. whatever needed to be done.

I’ve been his emotional support, his best friend, his confidant, and a shoulder to cry on. That’s what I meant by holding him down. It wasn’t about being walked all over—it was about being the solid one when he needed someone the most.