It has been a decade, 10 years, 3,650 days ...

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How have we survived 10 years?

Ten years ago today, April 25 ^th , Jeremy’s life ended tragically on a hopeful Saturday morning. A hopeful day that started with Jeremy still battling the still incurable disease of addiction but alive and anxious about his 19 ^th birthday just a week away and leaving home just weeks later for basic training in the US Air Force. Later that morning our lives were changed forever when Jeremy relapsed and died from a drug overdose.

In an infinitesimal moment in time … Jeremy, was taken away from us.

We remember and miss Jeremy each and everyday but today as it seems on every anniversary of Jeremy’s death, we relive that day’s events. It’s a day we remember vividly with indescribable pain and sadness. We tell ourselves if only we could go back to that day maybe we could save Jeremy. Then we are overwhelmed with grief knowing that we can’t. We can tell you that there is nothing more devastating more heart wrenching than losing a child, and nothing more anguishing than the guilt that you couldn’t protect your child.

We want to express our deepest sympathy to other parents who have experienced a loss of their child no matter the circumstance. We know your pain and know that time will never completely heal your heart. And to those parents who have not suffered this fate, we want to encourage you to cherish every moment you share with each of your children and know how blessed you are.

To our beautiful boy … we miss your voice, your smile, your laughter, your beautiful blue eyes, our conversations, the clean fresh scent of your dirty blond hair, your hugs, your “I love you’s” and even the sound of your footsteps in your room, we miss every single thing about you. There are simply no words that can describe the sharp pain that pierces our hearts nearly every day. Some days the edge of that sword is dull and anesthetized; some days we think just maybe we are at the verge of the final stage of grief, which is acceptance. I honestly don’t know if one can truthfully accept the death of a child or children. I don’t believe it is in our DNA as parents or even siblings.

For the past decade our friends and family, the JSRF committee and supporters alike have walked the valley of darkness along our side trying to understand and support us every step of the way. We continue to be grateful for those who have joined our committee, attended our fundraisers, read our newsletters, liked our Facebook page, donated financially, sent cards, flowers, and so much more.

All and any acts of kindness reach a wound that only compassion can heal.

Peace, Love and Gratitude.

Ciri, Scott and Sayra Stom

Remembering...

We ask you once again to remember Jeremy, on his 10 ^th Anniversary of Eternal Life today, Thursday, April 25, 2019 in the silence of your hearts. Jeremy was remembered today at St. Francis de Sales Parish, in Lake Zurich at the 7 AM Mass during the intercession prayers.