My name is Merle Sims. Me and Grayland Williamson lost our oldest son, Ben, to gun violence — senseless. Our son Ben had so much to offer the world before his life was cut short. I’m forever blessed that Ben touched so many lives, did so much helping people from all walks of life. Ben was a phenomenal son, father, brother, a leader and a servant of God. Losing my son has saddend us. A big part was taken from me as a mother. That’s a pain you can’t shake. My heart even pains for the individuals that did this senseless crime. I pray every day for gun violence to end. Ben was a peaceful man, a servant for Christ, loved seeing everyone happy. I’m forever blessed to have given birth to Ben and see his legacy live on. God will give us strength. We must keep fighting for justice, for gun control.