Xenel Tylee Bruce

What’s Up Everyone, it's Nel!!! I just wanted to slide in here and holler at you for just a few minutes. Well, I arrived on the scene November 5, 2004, to my wonderful parents, Terrence Santos and Johnnetta Bruce. The 4th of 7, growing up I loved playing ball, and my favorite team was the Chicago Bulls. Being outside is where I felt free to spread my wings. I graduated from Truman High School class of 2023. Though I had many talents I found pleasure working as a Diesel Mechanic. And boy oh boy working on those big ole Amazon trucks were fun.!!

You guys there is so much that I want you all to know, but most importantly I want you to remember all the times we laughed and joked because this life is just too short to take things or yourself too seriously, so lighten up and live! To those who are precious to my heart first and always know that I love you forever!

Momma, thank you for being the best parents you could be for me. Even though our bond was not always perfect and we went through difficult times, please know that I have always loved you. Deep down, all I ever wanted was your love, your presence, and for us to have the best relationship possible. Life may have challenged us in ways we did not always understand, but none of that ever changed the place you held in my heart. I hope you remember the good moments, the love we shared, and know that I never stopped wanting the best for us. No matter what, you will always be my mother, and I will always love you.

To my 3 older siblings, Nathaniel, NeKia, and Nija I want you all to know how much I love each of you. Even though life may not have allowed us to be as close as we wanted to be, please never question the love and respect I carried for you. Families go through seasons, but the bond between siblings never truly fades. I hope you remember me with love, peace, and understanding, knowing that no distance or time could ever change what you meant to me.

To my favorite sister Ka’Maya Lynn I’m so sorry I left so soon. We have been through so much together, and no matter what life threw our way, our bond always remained strong. Thank you for standing by me, loving me, protecting me, and understanding me even during the hardest times. Some of my best memories were made with you, and I hope you always remember how much you meant to me. Even when we disagreed, my love for you never changed. You will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will forever be grateful for the relationship we shared. Keep your head up and stay strong. 

To my little brodie Ajai, the sky is the limit you can do whatever your heart desires. Stay on the right path, listen to adults when they share knowledge to you, and don’t make me have to come down here and get you cause you’re not doing what you suppose to!!!! 

To my homies… Thank you for standing beside me through the highs and lows of life. Your loyalty, laughter, support, and love meant more to me than words could ever explain. Some of my greatest memories were made with you, and I hope you always remember the bond we shared. No matter where life takes us, a part of my heart will always be with my friends who became family. 

To my Drumm Farm Family thank you for giving me love, support, guidance, and a place where I could feel accepted and cared for. The time we shared together helped shape my life in ways I will always carry with me. Thank you for the laughs, the lessons, the encouragement, and the moments that made me feel like family. Even during difficult times, your kindness and presence meant more than you may ever know. I will always be grateful for the memories, friendships, and love that came from my time at Drumm Farm. 

To my foster parents Anthony and Tiffany, thank you for opening your hearts and home to me and loving me as your own. You gave me support, guidance, patience, and stability during moments when I needed it most. Thank you for believing in me, encouraging me, and never giving up on me, even when life was difficult. The love, lessons, and memories we shared will always stay with me. I hope you both know how much I appreciated everything you did for me and how grateful I am to have had you in my life. 

And to the host of cousins, and friends, thank you for always standing by me right, wrong, or indifferent. 

I'm signing out from here. Live well and keep the faith. 

Xenel aka Nel