This is a story of life and love. It could be the ray of light we all need to look and listen more attentively to the signals being sent out by the young people around us. It is a story about a typical young American teenager much like the one who lives next door, down the street, or in your own home. You may think you know and understand him, but do you really? Throughout his life, Jim had been the popular one, adventurous, always having friends around him. He was always well adjusted, that is at least so it seemed on the outside. In school Jim always had the satisfactory answers to his classmates’ questions and sensible solutions to their problems, which of course gained their affection, respect, and trust.

Jim’s story is one of tender love and heartbreaking tragedy. Jim was in love with life; held a strong love for Lenny, his brother; Sandy, his girlfriend; his parents, and his music. Jim longed to live life to the fullest!

Life is an intricately woven tapestry whose every single colorful thread contributes to its completion. When we see the beautiful threads in someone else’s life becoming tangled we must take time and make an effort to untangle them before the entire creation begins to come apart.

When did everything go wrong? Where were his parents, his friends, teachers, and loved ones when he needed them most? Who could Jim turn to when the world around him began to crumble? What happened to his zest for life, that sustaining ray of hope that everyone needs in the midst of chaos and confusion? Who should have foreseen the danger, but did not? Whose apathy and indifference precipitated the disaster to a higher conscience level when a little love and understanding might have prevented our tragic story?

As the story unfolds, perhaps you will see and feel the inclinations towards self-destruction. Maybe you or someone you know and love may be the one to reach out and prevent such a disaster. Because you possess the understanding, and will not be one of the many in the crowd who utter the words, “Why, Lord, Why?” when the precious life God gave is so tragically snuffed out, like the flame of an unguarded candle. Maybe you; think of it, yes, perhaps you, can make a difference! Perhaps you can be the one to prevent someone from destroying himself. “I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly” are the words of our Lord, Life of our Life!