Truly sorry for the lost of your friend its a shame that people still choose to be reckless and inturn damaged a promising future of another. I agree love is extremely powerful, yet has become a common saying with no backing. Here\’s to restoring a emotion so pure and taking off the self blinders…wake up people its beyond time….kudos

I love you too Eric, And Javon will be missed and its so hard to imagine that another our friends has passed away. especially after hanging out with javon and bugging out with him so many times.
RIP Javon

You are so right. This is one of life’s most important lessons yet we are all guilty, including myself, of looking past it and not truly appreciating every single person who has made an impact in our lives. Though we always remind each other every single day how much we mean to one another, I haven’t been doing the same for others I hold close to my heart, my family. Thank you for such a simple, yet overlooked reminder!
Again, I am sorry for the tragic loss of your friend.
I love you xoxo

May he rest in peace.

Love is very important, as is God. I do see how some people are jaded by the fact that God doesn’t always appear or lend support WHEN THEY feel they need it most, but he eventually does show up according to his plan.

Very touching piece in times like this E. Keep blessing us with your thoughts. Anyone who interacted with Javon could tell he was a special person, my prayers are with him and his family.

Eric,
You are completely correct. Most of the time, we overlook the ones that mean most to us because we believe they will always be there. I know from losing my grandfather to cancer that we must tell those that we love how much we appreciate and care for them. I also agree that we need each other to get through difficult times. Family and friends are there for those times that are the hardest to get through. I hope that you feel that you have your family and friends to lean on as you go through this difficult transition between your titi Fela’s illness and your friend’s death. Please feel free to reach out to your father and I if you need. We are here for you and we love you. With deepest sypathy.

Rosie & Jose

Great reminder! Today when you are planning your day, dividing up your time and energy, think about spending more time with the ones who will be there when you are sick and/or dying. It probably won’t be your boss or your clients.

I’m sorry that you feel God has nothing to offer you. Who do we instinctively reach out for when we are in trouble? We may not think of Him during good times, but he is merciful even to those who cry out in their dying moments. If you have ever had occasion to attend a funeral for a Christian, you will know that we don’t mourn like those who have no hope.

Eric
At times at feel as though because we are so far we have both missed out so much that we would have taught 1 another reading the above piece written by you reminded me that we never stop learning from 1 another no matter how far the distance I am proud of the man you have become and I encourage you to continue to teach the world. That being said yes you should listen to them let them grieve be that strong back bone we all know you are, yes tell all your loved 1’s how much you love them and what they mean and although on some levels no god does not wipe our tears or hugs us be not naive to what you know in your heart your creator loves you\’s for if he didnt he would strip you of all that you love all your loved 1\’s all your memories all that matters. Miss you much Nina & Tony

Dearest Eric,
You always pull on my heartstrings and make me feel again what you write about. Let me say that mom (Titi Fela) always shared her best memories of you. Her best story was of you tiptoeing to Tio Nolin’s and her bed when they used to babysit you. She remembered you wore pjs with the socks attached! She loved you as much as she adores your mom Cookie. Also, she used to love it when your dad would show up at her doorstep unannounced. She used to say that she liked how Jose said “Titi Fela”. Her love is still in her heart even though she cannot express it verbally.
So, it should not stop us from showing and giving her the love she shared with us. Remember, she is still with us here on earth!

Eric

Sorry for your lose, sometimes life does play tricks on us. It seems like nothing can be perfect but one thing I never lose is my faith. Now I read this with complete open mind and I understand what you are trying to say- and you are absolutely right – when one is down – we always want that hug or that shoulder to let it all out – but my question is do you think that that person was put there just because –

God acts in many ways. He cant come down and comfort each and every one of us.

However he does put good people like yourself for people who sometimes need a shoulder and I can vow to that because your advise was always the one I wanted to hear but deep inside I always thanked God for putting you in my way.

and yeah I love you even though the Lincoln and Holland Tunnel separates us – Im still your Jersey friend : )

Jess