Melissa's Notes:

In life, there are many things that you can’t unsee. You can lose clothing, mementos, and photos, but not memories, not images engrained in your mind. Not memories of being pregnant with your baby, holding him for the first or for the 301st, or the last time . Each of the photos here come to life. And the memories that flood my mind. Good and bad, happy, and sad … the countless baseball games, boo boos I've kissed, hugs I've given, award banquets, school field trips, mall trips, report card days , family vacations and holidays, and ALL the “watch me Mom" moments are emblazed in my mind. It is very hard to believe that February 25, 2026 marked 10 years that you live in Heaven. As many great memories I share, as any parent, I have regrets as well . The “coulda, shoulda, wouldas “ But as we know better, we do better. The support I've given in previous organizations have been healing for families who have lost loved ones to addiction. And now also in honor of my son, I, along side of many other community partners, have launched a virtual mental health community full of support groups for families and friends facing a multitude of life’s challenges. I believe in evolving, I believe in being proactive, and I believe in community collaboration. If we all had the proper tools maybe James would still be here? Maybe your loved one would be? Maybe families could hold it together.., maybe siblings would have the support that they needed? Maybe you have someone that has special needs in your home? Maybe your loved one is incarcerated? There could be a support group that meets weekly, via zoom, for your situation? Like I said, “when you know better, you do better” I dedicate all that I do to honor God, and my son’s name . It was the greatest honor in 1991, same as it is today, to be “Jamies Mom “… I miss you every single day and I will keep “ Pusching Forward until I see you again, James. I love you eternally.