My friend Quintin Jones, aka “Lil GQ” for those who have read my book, was executed a year ago today. In the months leading up to it, we fought so hard to convert his death sentence to a life sentence. I went down to Texas and interviewed him for @nytimes, and this amazing community signed petitions and helped amplify his voice, and countless activists and pro bono lawyers poured their hearts into his case. It was a devastating outcome, but Quin knew the hard won transformation he achieved in his 21 years on death row did not go unnoticed, and that his courage and his vulnerability and his hope—both in life and in death—had not been in vain. In the hours leading up to Quin entering the execution chamber, we had a long phone call where we traded stories and Jon played him a few songs, including the hymn “I’ll Fly Away” and Quin’s favorite song, “I Ain’t Mad at Ya” by Tupac. In his usual magnanimous spirit, Quin said he was so grateful for everyone who fought so tirelessly on his behalf, and that he hoped people would pick up the pebble and throw it into the next pond, and let it ripple out. I think about Quin a lot, especially these last months. So many times I’ve wanted to write to him, so many times I’ve yearned for a letter with one of his famous pep talks—to keep searching, to find beauty, to smile. I’m still unpacking boxes in my new home, and a few days ago, I found a piece by @tinypricksproject that I plan to frame as soon as I can and hang in my office. They’re Quin’s last words: “Keep doing the good work.”