I say "this kid," meaning we have been close since we were kids. He entered my life as a new cousin when my Aunt Paula and his dad met. And since then his ears and heart have always been available to me when I needed it. His huge heart & straight foward opinions of my questionable choices in men helped me through some of the roughest patches in my life. From the lost my father when I was 14 to a very difficult divorce and then through some very serious situations I had to deal with of domestic violence In my last relationship with my children's father. He always had the best advice and an extremely empathetic way of delivering his opinion to me. Not many people know the bond that him and I have always had. I am at this moment in complete shock he's no longer here. I have to send my biggest condolences to his girlfriend that I have never even met... How DEEPLY SORRY I am for her loss of a wonderful most beautiful soul that could not find his way out of a black hole because of how evil substances can take over a life. People try to find anything to COMPLETELY numb THEIR pain and problems OF A BROKEN HEART until it's too late....and there's no coming back. Jen, I am so truly deeply hurting for u thinking of your loss, & I don't even know you. But I've been in your shoes in many strange kind of ways and want you to know you can call me to talk at any time. Ask my Aunt Paula about contacting me. And Kayla, I lost my father a little younger than you but I have been able to move on by paying attention to "signs". Your dad he will send them to you for the rest of your life..... you need just pay attention to them. You will know when they happen. And you can talk to him out loud whenever and wherever you want now, he will ALWAYS  be listening... He will  guide you through life and pick you up by the back of the neck when you're in THE WORST SITUATIONS and make sure you never get hurt. God bless you and your family. Watch for little feathers floating in your home.... will be a sign of his wings.....