In remembrance (To read the article and interview given by my uncle Glenn and Justin, please click on this link.)

This blog has become a place to post the happy snapshots of our lives- and we are so fortunate to have many to share. We are so blessed to have two healthy and beautiful boys, a safe and happy home of our own, a marriage built on love and honesty, and wonderful family and friends.

Having said that, I think it is important to use this forum to call attention to the struggles of addiction and to honour a family member that we have recently lost and the people who never gave up on him and who loved him.

My cousin Jonathan (Jay) Jeffrey died on Sunday, March 14th at the age of 21 after a long battle with addiction. Jonathan was younger than I- he was only 21 when he passed. While I didn't get to spend as much time with Jay as I would have hoped, I count his brother and sister among the people I care most about in this world. The loss that my cousins Justin and Erika and their parents are experiencing is something that I cannot even fathom. My heart aches for them because I know that this is something that they will live with for the rest of their lives.

Jay and I had a conversation about his battle when I first learned that he was in a treatment program. It was only an online conversation, chatting on Facebook, but it was something. I remember asking him not to let this incident define him. So many kids do that, make a decision and then feel that moment in time is representative of who they are. And it isn't who Jay is. None of this is. He is a son, a brother, an uncle, a kid who carried a picture of his cat in his wallet just incase he had an opportunity to tell you how awesome that particular cat was. He was special. And he had an illness that is as real as diabetes or cancer.

Many of us have families and friends who have been affected by addiction and other mental health issues. As a teacher I have seen many students either battling an addiction themselves or wounded by the sufferings of a parent. As a mother I fear the things my own children may have to deal with in this world as they grow up.

I think it is important to have an honest discussion about mental health and I am so proud of my family members for choosing to share Jonathan's story even through their personal pain. It will help others come to terms with seeking support and fighting their own battles, of that I am sure.

Rest in Peace Jay.