Sad news.

[jncuse]

I'm sorry to hear about your family's loss.

I strongly commend your courage on shedding some light on this serious, misunderstood (and sometimes just hard to understand) issue that all of us have more learning to do on.

There is nothing more powerful than those who have faced the issue, and felt its unfortunate consequences to move people to learn more and be more compassionate moving forward.

 

[SWC75]

I spend a lot of time checking out this board and although I have never met anyone personally who posts here I still feel a special kinship with all of you and some of you with whom I have PM'ed over the years. Last Wednesday afternoon as I was leaving my office to come home my wife called me and told me that my son JJ who was living in Connecticut was found dead on Wednesday morning. JJ had a lifelong struggle with bi-polar disorder and as such had encountered many difficulties along the path of life. We had planned for him to move down here to Ocala and he was going to go to work at my family business in which my wife Beth and my oldest son Justin both work with me. I returned home to Ocala today from Branford, Ct. which is my hometown. The outpouring of hundreds of his friends and family who attended the service yesterday was comforting to myself and JJ's other 4 siblings who were also there but nothing can prepare you for the loss of your child. Mental health issues and substance abuse are still poorly understood by many and in spite of the difficulties which JJ had his caring spirit and fun loving nature were the one thing that all who comforted me were quick to point out. I know for myself that having had a child who had challenging obstacles has made me a more compassionate and understanding person. It was JJ's birth which moved me to made a conscious decision to face my problems with drugs and alcohol and I've been fortunate and blessed to have 26 years of continuous sobriety. He will be missed incredibly by his family and all his friends.

Terrible news. I'm very sorry to hear about your loss and of all those who face these difficulties. Maybe someday sports will matter again.

 

[torque]

I spend a lot of time checking out this board and although I have never met anyone personally who posts here I still feel a special kinship with all of you

Just like you said, I feel the same, too. So I went to a Medicine Buddha puja for JJ this morning. I think it's a better way to really do something for you and your family since I'm buddhist.

May JJ's soul be fully healed and liberated from annoyance and suffering. Wish you and your family the best.

 

[klemmer56]

Thoughts and prayers to you and yours.

 

[007]

May you and your family find some measure of peace through the grace of time and memories.

 

[Deano]

Sorry little late on this one but like most have said prayers and thoughts with you and your family through this.

 

[orangecuse]

I spend a lot of time checking out this board and although I have never met anyone personally who posts here I still feel a special kinship with all of you and some of you with whom I have PM'ed over the years. Last Wednesday afternoon as I was leaving my office to come home my wife called me and told me that my son JJ who was living in Connecticut was found dead on Wednesday morning. JJ had a lifelong struggle with bi-polar disorder and as such had encountered many difficulties along the path of life. We had planned for him to move down here to Ocala and he was going to go to work at my family business in which my wife Beth and my oldest son Justin both work with me. I returned home to Ocala today from Branford, Ct. which is my hometown. The outpouring of hundreds of his friends and family who attended the service yesterday was comforting to myself and JJ's other 4 siblings who were also there but nothing can prepare you for the loss of your child. Mental health issues and substance abuse are still poorly understood by many and in spite of the difficulties which JJ had his caring spirit and fun loving nature were the one thing that all who comforted me were quick to point out. I know for myself that having had a child who had challenging obstacles has made me a more compassionate and understanding person. It was JJ's birth which moved me to made a conscious decision to face my problems with drugs and alcohol and I've been fortunate and blessed to have 26 years of continuous sobriety. He will be missed incredibly by his family and all his friends.

So sorry...peace be with you.

 

[rstone7727]

So sorry to hear about your son JJ. I have four sons, the older two are doing well to stay away from drugs, the two younger ones smoke weed and my wife and I are petrified they may try other stronger drugs. Friday we got news that a friend's son died of a heroin overdose which has reached epidemic proportions through out America. You are not alone and rest assured that many people here are with you and share in your grief.

 

[Rocco]

Very sorry to hear about your loss. As a father of 2, soon to be 3 children, I can only imagine what you're going through. I feel terrible about what you're experiencing, but hopefully you will continue to persevere and remember the fond memories you had with him.

If Syracuse wins the National Championship this year, consider that a sign from your son.

God Bless.