T.J.’s 30th Birthday

How can it be that the boy who shattered us with his death at 16 would now be a man of 30 years? So many lost years, so many lost hours, minutes and moments. You have been missed with each tick of the clock, every turn of the calendar, every passing season and year. Your energy and all you brought to this earth from the minute of your birth still remains. The LOVE is constant and pushes us through. We miss you T.J. We are still so sad your pain stole you from this life here on earth, but we have found a way through and forward.

For me, your Mom, I have tried to make sure my life is filled with purpose by helping others in a way I couldn’t help you. I will continue to do all I can to help those who struggle and those who love them. I will continue to raise awareness because when “we know better, we can do better.” I will continue to speak your name and share your story so others may learn, understand and be guided by your incredibly bright light.

On this, your 30th Birthday I am sending all the LOVE in my heart to you, my precious boy. We will be walking again this year in your memory at the AFSP Out of the Darkness Community Walk in Bergen County—raising awareness and providing HOPE that we can one day live in a world without suicide, that we can do better to help those who struggle and we can all spread the light that exists in each of us to wipe out the darkness for those that need it. I love you T. with all that I am.